Bible Dreams: How the Dreams in the Bible Speak to Us Today (Revised 2nd Edition)

Revised Second Edition

Dreams and vision in the Bible come at moments of transition and transformation, renewal and rededication. Though they are bound to biblical heroes and heroines, Bible dreams are also public: meant to serve the needs of readers, reflecting dreams all of us experience in our own spiritual quests.

The author applies traditional interpretations alongside insights from anthropology, psychology, archaeology, dream research, philosophy, and science. Explore the mid-life crisis in Abraham's dreams; trials of separation, estrangement, job loss, death, divorce in Jacob's dreams; gifts of vision and prophecy in Joseph's dreams; and more.

In the Preface, former Associate Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Eugene J. Fisher, writes: "This is not 'grocery store spirituality' or 'new age mysticism.' This is the real stuff. Here, the Bible itself speaks to each of us to address our deeper concerns, anxieties, and hopes -- the deeper fears and visions that we admit to ourselves only in our dreams, when we sleep and lay ourselves open to the quiet whisperings of the Spirit of God who dwells in our hearts."

The Talmud warns: "A dream not interpreted is like a letter not read." If there is a lot of "D"-mail in your life going unanswered, this book may help you retrieve your messages.

Reviews of the First Edition

"A linguistic and exegetical treasure trove... It will open the eyes of its readers to the spiritual information, self-examinations and guidance that are inherent in dreams. For several 'aha' moments, I recommend this book." -- Carole McDonnell, "Curled Up With a Good Book"

"Seymour Rossel now adds his name to that short list of authentic voices capable of speaking to the individual on behalf of the public and corporate religious world of the Torah. He writes for a broad audience of Jews and Christians .... with art and restraint, not relying on rhetoric to replace religious reality: encounter, authentic emotion making] the most intimate and private experience, the dream, into the raw material of social culture.... This he has done through the force of intellect and the power of rigorous thought." -- Jacob Neusner, "National Jewish Post and Opinion"

"Dream interpretation is not solely the province of Hollywood screenwriters, Freudians and New-Agers ... Rossel discusses] dream interpretation as serving a public function giving] techniques and practices that will help readers ... get more out of their dreams." -- Holly Lebowitz Rossi, "The Forward"

"Written by a Rabbi with a commendation from the American Roman Catholic Church ... a popular exposition ...." -- "Journal for the Study of the Old Testament"

"Engagingly and informatively written ... a thoughtful and thought-provoking guide intended for Christians, Jews, and anyone else seeking to better understand and acquire a heightened spiritual awareness. A deeply spiritual outreaching, "Bible Dreams: The Spiritual Quest" is enthusiastically commended...." -- "Midwest Book Review""