Is this how long we wait to see if a prophet's dream comes true (Deuteronomy 13:2) or must he also give a sign? If he doesn't have to give a sign, then the question is whether 22 years applies to him or is R. Levi's opinion rejected? Thanks
Pat, Greenbelt, USA
The Gemara in Berachos is not referring to a prophet's dream, but rather to any person's dream. Once 22 years have passed, the person may assume that his dream will not come to fruition.
A prophet's dream is different. It is a much higher form of prophecy which is given to the rare individual who is fit to receive prophecy, and he is required to relay the prophecy to the people for whom it is intended. The prophetic dream would generally include some form of rebuke or important lesson for the people.
Whatever he prognosticates will happen in the future is not to be taken as a sign of his authenticity, because even if a person's dream comes true immediately, that does not necessarily prove that he is a prophet. The verse (Devarim 13:3) states that if the dream came true and the "prophet" then told everyone to worship idols, he is a false prophet and we are forbidden to listen to him. In order for a prophet's authenticity to be established, his words must be consistent with G-d's will as expressed in the Torah; a sign or a dream come true is not sufficient.
Accordingly, Rebbi Levi's opinion is unrelated to the issue of confirmation of prophecy.
All the best,
Y. Shaw