עברית
Faith
Recurring Dreams about the Death of a Loved One
Question
Hello esteemed Rabbi,
In recent weeks, I have dreamt multiple times about the death of a person close to me, each time someone different and a different scenario of death. In all instances, the death was not natural, either a suicide or execution.
The dreams felt 'realistic' and all ended with the news of death, causing deep crying in the dream and even after I woke up.
I would like to know if there is any significance to these recurring dreams.
Thank you very much. Shabbat Shalom.
Answer
Greetings,
The likelihood is that the dreams do not have any significance. Nevertheless, to alleviate any concern, you should say the 'Hatafat Halom' (the text appears in prayer books) before three people, ideally those who are your loved ones.
Alternatively, during the 'Birkat Kohanim' (Priestly Blessing), you should recite the following text (and try to finish reciting the text when the priests conclude saying 'Shalom,' so that the communal Amen applies to your prayer as well) -
רִבּוֹנוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם, אֲנִי שֶׁלָּךְ וַחֲלוֹמוֹתַי שֶׁלָּךְ, חֲלוֹם חָלַמְתִּי וְאֵינִי יוֹדֵעַ מַה הוּא. יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ יְהׂוָה אֱלֹהַי וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתַי, שֶׁיִּהְיוּ כָּל חֲלוֹמוֹתַי עָלַי וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל לְטוֹבָה, בֵּין שֶׁחָלַמְתִּי עַל עַצְמִי וּבֵין שֶׁחָלַמְתִּי עַל אֲחֵרִים, וּבֵין שֶׁחָלְמוּ אֲחֵרִים עָלַי, אִם טוֹבִים הֵם חַזְּקֵם וְאַמְּצֵם, וְיִתְקַיְּמוּ בִי וּבָהֶם כַּחֲלוֹמוֹתָיו שֶׁל יוֹסֵף הַצַּדִּיק, וְאִם צְרִיכִים רְפוּאָה רְפָאֵם כְּחִזְקִיָּהוּ מֶלֶךְ יְהוּדָה מֵחָלְיוֹ, וּכְמִרְיָם הַנְּבִיאָה מִצָּרַעְתָּהּ, וּכְנַעֲמָן מִצָּרַעְתּוֹ, וּכְמֵי מָרָה עַל יְדֵי משֶׁה רַבֵּנוּ, וּכְמֵי יְרִחוֹ עַל יְדֵי אֱלִישָׁע. וּכְשֵׁם שֶׁהָפַכְתָּ אֶת קִלְלַת בִּלְעָם הָרָשָׁע מִקְּלָלָה לִבְרָכָה כֵּן תַּהֲפוֹךְ כָּל חֲלוֹמוֹתַי עָלַי וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל לְטוֹבָה וְתִשְׁמְרֵנִי וּתְחָנֵּנִי וְתִרְצֵּנִי. אמן.
It is also appropriate to give something to charity, and if possible, it is good to give the equivalent of your meals from morning to evening (instead of fasting).
With G-d's help, may no harm come to them.
Best wishes,
Hillel Meirs
