Up Above and Down Below: A Jewish Dream Circle

According to the medieval mystical text, The Zohar, every night our souls go on a journey -- wandering the world above, coming back down full of secrets. According to the Talmud, our dreams contain both prophecy and revelation. The question becomes -- how do we listen to our dreams and honor their guidance? 

This session will attempt to answer that question in the form of a dream circle -- a space where we can bring our dreams and receive guidance from others. The dream circle format we will use is based on both the Talmud (yes, the Rabbis thought this was important too!) and Rav Kohenet Jill Hammer's incredible book, Undertorah: An Earth-Based Kabbalah of Dreams. It is truly amazing to be in a dream circle and witness what emerges.

Given the time limit, only a few people will be able to share their dreams in this session. But everyone in the dream circle is a crucial part and will participate fully. Come share, come listen, come witness the power of our dreams. Whether you are an active dreamer or not, you are most welcome in the circle. Sometimes we dream for ourselves, our families, or the collective. Who knows what healing might be possible in this circle? No prior experience or learning necessary.

Ariel Hendelman is a Senior Rabbinic student with the ALEPH Ordination Program and the Spiritual Leader of B'nai Or, Boston's Jewish Renewal community. Ariel frequently leads meditation and chant circles both online and in-person for organizations such as Or HaLev. Her written words appear in Ayin Press and most recently, on her Substack. Ariel’s debut album, Prayers for Fire & Water, is a blend of folk and niggunim and can be heard wherever you get your music. A former LGBTQ+ community organizer in Jerusalem, Ariel moved back to the States five years ago. She loves teaching at the intersection of mindfulness, mythology and mysticism. She especially loves teaching (and eating) at Lehrhaus.