A Jewish Perspective on Dreams: Jacob’s Ladder and Parashat Vayetze
Parashat Vayetze dives into the significance of dreams, and before I share my thoughts, I’d like you to pause and think about some of the most vivid dreams you’ve ever had. What stood out? How did they make you feel?
Dreams have always fascinated me. I remember learning in school that they’re just “random firing of neurons in the brain.” Sure, that might explain part of it, but to me, it feels way too simple. There has to be more to it. Yes, dreams may come from neurons firing, but I don’t think they’re as random as we’re told. After all, is anything in life truly random?
We use the word "dream" to mean so many things. There are the literal dreams we have while we sleep, but then there are those daydreams—when our minds wander off, imagining things—and the dreams we call our hopes and aspirations, like, "You can be whoever you dream to be." I think all types of dreams, in their own way, reveal something deep inside us. Some bring up our biggest fears or let us process emotions we haven’t dealt with. Others connect us to our truest desires, goals, or even the bigger purpose we’re meant to fulfill.
In this week’s parsha, Vayetze, Jacob has a dream that completely changes his life. He’s leaving Beersheba, a place tied to his past but no longer serving him, and heading toward Charan, a new and uncertain destination full of unknown possibilities. When he stops to sleep for the night, he dreams of a ladder reaching from the earth to the heavens, with angels going up and down. At the top, God appears and promises to protect Jacob. This dream becomes a turning point, guiding Jacob as he steps away from the familiar and embraces the journey toward growth, purpose, and fulfillment.
This isn’t just a random dream—it’s a turning point for Jacob. He goes to sleep feeling lost, scared, and disconnected from his purpose, but he wakes up with clarity and confidence, declaring, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it” (Genesis 28:16). The dream doesn’t just show him something; it transforms him. It bridges the gap between his messy present and his hopeful future.
In the Torah, dreams often serve as a way for God to communicate. But Jacob’s ladder teaches us something even deeper. The ladder isn’t just a message from God—it’s also a way for Jacob to connect back to God. It’s a bridge, linking heaven and earth and inviting divine dialogue. Dreams, like Jacob’s ladder, can guide us from where we are to where we could be, reminding us that we’re always connected to something greater, even when we feel lost.
Some dreams, like Jacob’s, are layered with meaning. They might seem straightforward at first glance, but they often require deeper reflection to uncover their full significance. This layered nature of dreams teaches us to pay attention—not just to what’s obvious, but to the subtleties and symbols that might reveal something profound about our journeys.
The ladder itself is a powerful image. It’s about effort and progress—climbing toward something higher. Dreams, in all their forms, aren’t just fantasies. They’re fuel for action. After Jacob’s dream, he doesn’t just shrug it off. He wakes up, processes it, makes a vow, and uses it as fuel and inspiration as he continues on his journey.
For us, dreams can work the same way. They connect the "now" to the "what could be." They give us glimpses of something beyond ourselves, whether that’s divine inspiration, creativity, or simply hope.
So what can we take away from Jacob’s ladder?
Keep climbing. Just like the angels went up and down, life has its ups and downs. Dreams remind us to keep moving, even when the progress feels slow.
Pay attention. Whatever the dream, ask yourself: What’s my soul trying to tell me? What am I afraid of, or what do I truly want?
Take action. A dream without action is just a fantasy. Let your dreams inspire real steps toward change and growth.
Jacob’s ladder teaches us that dreams—whether they come in our sleep or in our imagination—are a gift. They’re not random. They’re there to guide us, inspire us, and remind us of the incredible potential within us. May we all keep dreaming and climbing toward our highest purpose.
