Pharaoh wakes terribly agitated from a nightmare. Seven skinny cows have eaten seven fat cows. “Those were the most awful cows I have ever seen!” he says. “Can’t anyone tell me what it means?”

Rabbi Tzvi Blanchard says: Pharaoh hovers in the anxiety of the unknown. He does not know if the nightmare hints at challenge or opportunity.

Joseph interprets the dream symbols. Seven years of abundance will be followed by seven years of famine.

Rabbi Blanchard says: Pharaoh still does not know if the dream is good or bad.

Joseph outlines a plan. Collect grain during the seven abundant years. Ration it during the seven lean years.

Rabbi Blanchard says: Pharaoh begins to understand that, by his standards, his dream brings opportunity. Egypt will be the only source of food in a time of scarcity. He will become the most powerful monarch in the region.

Rabbi Blanchard continues. Allow yourself to dream, to free associate, move through anxiety, contemplate possible futures. You may not know where the dreams will lead. But if you fear to follow them, you will miss your opportunities.

Rabbi Blanchard’s words at the Rabbis Without Borders meeting paraphrased by Rabbi Laura Duhan Kaplan

Photo credit: Noelcmn, Wikimedia Commons