Sep. 27th, 2012

cellio: (talmud)
The g'mara has been discussing the interpretation of dreams for a couple pages. Today's daf includes discussion of symbols of piety, wisdom, and punishment (among others). Our rabbis taught: there are three kings important for dreams -- if one sees David he may look forward to piety; Solomon, he may look forward to wisdom; Ahab, let him fear for punishment. There are three prophets significant for dreams: if he sees Ezekiel, he may look forward to wisdom; Isaiah, he may look forward to consolation; Jeremiah, let him fear for punishment. There are three larger books: the book of Psalms is a sign of piety; Proverbs, wisdom; Job, punishment. There are three smaller books: Song of Songs is a sign of piety; Kohelet, wisdom; Lamentations, punishment. And further, one who sees the scroll of Esther will have a miracle wrought for him. There are three sages: if he sees Rabbi, he may look forward to wisdom; Eleazar b. Azariah, he may look forward to riches; and R. Yishmael b. Elisha, let him fear for punishment. There are three disciples: if he sees Ben 'Azzai he may look forward to piety; Ben Zoma, wisdom; Acher (that is, Elisha b. Abuyah, a famous apostate), punishment. (57b)

I'm guessing that the dream would have to tell you who you're seeing; I doubt anybody knows what, say, Ben Zoma looked like.

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags