More Discussions for this daf
1. Three things need special "Rachamim" 2. 7 days without a dream 3. Above the Mazel?
4. Obtaining consent from the masses for the appointment of leaders 5. dreams 6. Hashmatos ha'Rambam
7. 22 years? 8. Barchu or Nevarech 9. dreams
DAF DISCUSSIONS - BERACHOS 55

Baruch Rappaport wrote:

Dear Reb Mordechai,

I received the following question:

The Gemara in "Berachot, 55b" states: Rabbi Ze`irah said that "Whoever sleeps seven days without having a dream, is called a bad person". Do you have any suggestions what did "Meharsha" say on this. Please let me know .

I looked in the Maharsha on nun heh, he sends you to yud dalet, so I looked on yud dalet, and he sends you to nun heh!

The sefer "Bais Yosef" on Brachos says nothing, neither does the Rashba or Ramban. Have a pshat off the cuff? You just learned this two months ago in DY. I don't mean to ask you to spend any more time on this than to draw out what you got in your head.

Thanks,

Baruch

The Kollel replies:

That's funny about the Maharsha! Here's what we wrote in the Insights to the Daf. I hope this helps you.

Be well, Mordecai

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Berachos 14

1) GOING SEVEN DAYS WITHOUT A DREAM

QUESTION: Rav Yonah said in the name of Rav Zeira that anyone who sleeps for seven days without having a dream is called "evil." Why is one called "evil" for not having a dream? One cannot choose to dream or not to dream, so why should he be held accountable for not dreaming?

Furthermore, what is so bad about not dreaming? And why only one who does not dream for seven days?

ANSWER: The VILNA GA'ON explains this statement exegetically:

"Anyone who sleeps for seven days without having a dream..." -- if one goes for seven days without realizing that this world is a temporary, ethereal existence, like a dream that has no lasting place in reality;

"...is called evil" -- because he does not realize the purpose of his existence. A person must recognize that this world is only temporary and direct his activities in this world towards attaining the real and eternal life of the World to Come.

One who goes for six days without coming to this realization is excused. For six days a person is involved in worldly pursuits, working hard to earn a living. However, if he goes for seven days -- including a Shabbos , the day which one is free to pursue spiritual growth -- without realizing the purpose of this world, he is indeed evil.