Give a listen ... The mysteries of dreams

The column name “Give a listen” was presented to me by comedian Jackie Mason and, of course, in his familiar Yiddish accent. In response to my invitation, he had shown up in a dream in which he also proceeded to expound on many of today’s controversial topics. He stayed with me the rest of the next day. Or perhaps his appearance the night before enabled me to better channel his persona. And thus I was able to deal with a number of troubling issues with a sense of humor as I imagined his voice in my head.   

Now, before you jump to the conclusion that you are reading the words of a meshugana (crazy person) please reflect on the fact that Jewish tradition is replete with stories about dreamers. In the Bible we read of Jacob’s ladder and his encounters with angels as assurance that God would accompany him in his journeys. There was Joseph, whose ability to interpret dreams put him in good favor with the Pharaoh. And a thirteenth century French rabbi prayed for solutions to religious questions; nearly a hundred answers from God, revealed in dreams, have been published in “Responsa from Heaven.” 

A disclaimer, however: Many dreams can be pure nonsense. Others can be the brain’s way of venting and cleaning out the figurative cobwebs from our memory banks. And bad dreams may well serve as cautionary messages that remind us of potential dangers. But isn’t it also a great relief to awaken from a nightmare and realize it was merely just that? Such has been the case for some of my bad dreams. Otherwise, I would have been the victim of more than a hundred car thefts. I would have flunked out of college 49 times for not knowing where or when final exams were being given. And, at last count, there would have been at least 54 silver alerts issued when I couldn’t find my way back home.

One of my most memorable dream visits involved my grandfather who had come to America from the pogrom-plagued city of Kishinev. I loved him dearly and when he was diagnosed with bone cancer, I rose early every morning and prayed for him to be cured. I was so happy when he came out of the hospital for Thanksgiving. But, sad to say, I felt his spirit leave the world as I carried my youngest son to shul on Erev Purim. Some months later, my grandfather visited in a dream and had a request. It was for a hug and without exaggeration I can attest that it felt as real as the most wonderful earthly embrace. He then asked me to dance with him. “What kind of dance, grandpop?”  “The Cha-Cha, Steven.” And so we danced. I laughed with delight the next morning as I savored the memory.

But the greatest life-changing event happened as a result of my frequent flying dreams that began as a child. Night after night, with the greatest of ease, I could levitate and circle above. This paid off when I injured my back and lay in traction for more than a month. On a visit to the orthopedist, I was told that swimming would be of great benefit. But what does that have to do with my dreams? Well, despite numerous attempts by my family to get me into a pool, I had a horrible fear of the water. Was it because I had suffered a near-concussion from a wave as a child? Or was it due to a swimming lesson in which I nearly drowned and had to be rescued?  

Regardless, the doctor’s advice planted a seed. Somehow my dreams of flying transformed into dreams of swimming. I loved the freedom and ease of movement even in my imagination. I yearned to overcome my fear, and the cure came to me in a dream as I recalled the source of my phobia. It had taken root from an incident in my childhood. Our family had a cousins’ club outing to New Jersey for a picnic at a water resort. On the way, one of my aunts remarked that my cousin Larry, on crutches to this very day because of polio, had contracted the crippling disease from swimming in a lake. When this memory came back to me I abruptly awakened. I sat up and said to myself, with great conviction, “so that’s why I’ve been afraid of water.” I was immediately cured of my decades-long phobia. I learned how to swim and love doing so regularly.

Do you recall any special or recurring dreams? I wish you pleasant ones that enhance your life. May you find meaning and inspiration. Give a listen.

Steven Cardonick, aka Rabbi Steve, shares his thoughts and music to entertain, enlighten, and enhance our lives. He and his wife have lived in Central Florida since 2007.