daf bit: B'rachot 57
Sep. 27th, 2012 08:39 amThe 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.