Musical Notes

In the Babylonian Talmud, there is a beautiful prayer for one who has "seen a dream and not known what he has seen."  This might be because the dreamer has forgotten the dream or because he does not know how to interpret it.  The confused dreamer is advised to come to Shacharit, morning services, to stand just before the priestly benediction is said and to say the following:

"Lord of the Universe!  I am Yours and my dreams are Yours; a dream have I dreamed and I know not what it is.  Whether I dreamed concerning myself, or my fellows dreamed concerning me, or I dreamed concerning others; if they be good reams, strengthen and fortify them (and may they be fulfilled) like the dreams of Joseph but if they require to be amended, heal them as the waters of Marah were healed by the hands of Moses our teacher, as Miriam was healed from her leprosy, as Hezekiah from his illness, and like the waters of Jericho were sweetened by the hands of Elisha.  And as You turned the curse of the wicked Balaam into a blessing, so do You turn all my dreams for me into good."

The rabbis further advised that the individual try to conclude his prayer simultaneously with the rabbi or Cohein, so that when the congregation responds with "Amen", that "Amen" would cover his prayer as well.  But if he cannot conclude at the same time, he should add to his prayer: "You!  Majestic one in the heavens Who abides in might, Who art peace and Your name is peace!  May it be Your will to grant us peace."

This charming and fascinating prayer does not ask God to alter the reality foretold by the dream, but rather, to re-write as it were, the dream itself.  The dream is something that can be shaped, altered and healed by God, and thus dream's effects can be changed, channeled or averted. 

This month, we begin the last book in the cycle of Torah reading, Devarim/Deuteronomy.  The book begins as the Israelites' years of wandering in the desert are drawing to a close.  Moses, knowing that he will not accompany them to the promised land, take a last opportunity to remind them of the miracles they have experienced, the trials they have endured, and the ongoing obligation to fulfill God's mitzvot that they have accepted.  Much as solving the mystery of dreams begins with paying attention to them, Moses' exhortations remind us that paying attention is the vital first step to living a life of holiness.  

In the Torah, the choice of paying attention serves to move the narrative.  In Jewish life, paying attention is one of the primary aspects of holiness.  The attention we pay to lighting the Shabbat candles, singing the kiddush, and participating in Shabbat services set Shabbat apart from the other days of the week.  Setting aside time for Torah study, either in a formal setting like one of our Adult Education classes, or informally at home is a holy act that reminds us of our reason and purpose for living.  Making time to visit the sick, participate in a Shiva minyan, or to serve dinner to the homeless in Operation Deep Freeze, challenge us to lend our healing attention to those most vulnerable and alone.  These acts, large and small, are what define us as "a kingdom of priests and a holy people."

This month and in the months ahead, may we all look at the world afresh, finding new opportunities for commitment and service.  May our dreams be for good and for blessing, and may our prayers be a source of strength. 

Marjorie Hochberg