Vanessa L. Ochs is the Ida and Nathan Kolodiz Director of Jewish Studies and associate professor of religious studies at the University of Virginia. A recipient of a fellowship in creative writing from the National Endowment of the Arts, she is author of several books, coauthor of The Jewish Dream Book: The Key to Opening the Inner Meaning of Your Dreams, and co-editor, with Rabbi Irwin Kula, of The Book of Jewish Sacred Practices: CLAL's Guide to Everyday & Holiday Rituals & Blessings (both Jewish Lights).
Vanessa L. Ochs is available to speak on the following topics:
Acknowledgments 6
Introduction 7
Part 1: What Judaism Teaches Us about Dreaming
1 The Origin of Dreams 16
2 Classical Jewish Approaches to Dream Interpretation 25
Part 2: Jewish Dream Practices
3 Bedtime Rituals to Help Prepare for Dreaming 35
4 Dream Practices for Waking Up 47
5 Practices for Interpreting Dreams 50
6 Practices for Dream Incubation 55
7 Practices for Responding to Nightmares: Hatavat Chalom 65
8 Holding a Rosh Chodesh Gathering Devoted to Dreaming 76
9 Seeking Healing through Dreams 83
10 Practices for Mourning 86
11 Blessings for Dreaming 90
12 Practices for Linking Your Dreams to Torah 94
13 A Torah Practice That Honors Dreamers 98
Notes 101
Glossary 103
Suggestions for Further Reading 105
Find Inspiration and Spiritual Understanding in Judaism's Ancient
Traditions of Dream Interpretation
This engaging, entertaining, and informative bedside companion will help you open up your dreams and discover the meanings they may hold for you.
The Jewish Dream Book invites you to integrate the spiritual wisdom of Judaism's past into your life today by honoring your dreams and striving to uncover their hidden messages. Exploring the Bible, Talmud, and other ancient sources, it will introduce you to inspiring, easy-to-use rituals and practices.
Included are diverse topics covering everything you've ever wondered about dreams and dreaming: