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The Weight of a PromiseTANAKH
The Weight of a Promise
TANAKH
The Torah emphasizes the personal responsibility and obligation to fulfill vows made to God without breaking them. The book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Torah, details the importance of fulfilling one's vows and oaths to God.
The Perils of Rash VowsSECOND TEMPLE
The Perils of Rash Vows
SECOND TEMPLE
The tragic consequences of Jephthah's rash vow to sacrifice the first living creature he encounters upon returning victorious from battle highlight the severe and unintended outcomes of making vows without careful consideration. Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, recounts this story from the Book of Judges, emphasizing the emotional and moral turmoil that ensues from such vows.
The Limits of Divine OathsTALMUD
The Limits of Divine Oaths
TALMUD
God's oath not to flood the entire world does not preclude the possibility of bringing destruction by water upon a single nation. The Talmudic tractate Sotah discusses the implications of divine oaths and their limitations.
Vows and DistinctionsHALAKHAH
Vows and Distinctions
HALAKHAH
The Shulchan Arukh draws a significant distinction between Jews and Samaritans regarding vows. Rabbi Joseph Karo's 16th-century legal code addresses the legal implications of vows and oaths, exploring the interactions specifically between Jews and Samaritans.
The Evolution of Kol NidreCOMMENTARY
The Evolution of Kol Nidre
COMMENTARY
The Kol Nidre prayer has a rich history and cultural significance, originating in Geonic times and symbolizing the annulment of vows. This contemporary explanation by Joshua Kulp delves into the historical evolution of Kol Nidre, its purpose, and the attempts by Jewish leaders to abolish it.
An Oath of Pure KindnessMUSAR
An Oath of Pure Kindness
MUSAR
Jacob's request to Joseph, asking him to bury him in the land of Israel, exemplified pure kindness and loyalty, made without any expectation of reward or apology. Rabbi Isaiah HaLevi Horowitz's 17th-century work, Shenei Luchot HaBerit, delves into the ethical and spiritual implications of this selfless act, highlighting Joseph's genuine fulfillment of his father's wish without seeking anything in return.
The Consequences of a Vain OathTALMUD
The Consequences of a Vain Oath
TALMUD
The Talmudic tractate Arakhin discusses seven specific sinful matters that can cause leprous marks, including taking an oath in vain.
Entering the New Year Free of PromisesHALAKHAH
Entering the New Year Free of Promises
HALAKHAH
The customary practice on Erev Rosh Ha-shana allows individuals to enter the new year without the burden of unfulfilled promises. Rabbi Eliezer Melamed’s contemporary halakhic work, Peninei Halakhah, explains the process and significance of releasing oneself from past commitments before Rosh HaShanah.
The Mystical Power of 'Amen'KABBALAH
The Mystical Power of 'Amen'
KABBALAH
The word 'Amen' is not just a simple affirmation but is deeply connected to the concept of an oath and the very act of creation. In his 13th-century Kabbalistic work, Sha'arei Orah, Rabbi Joseph Gikatilla explores the mystical connections between Hebrew words and divine concepts, including the profound significance of 'Amen'.
Hannah’s Heartfelt VowLITURGY
Hannah’s Heartfelt Vow
LITURGY
Hannah’s vow is made in a moment of deep personal anguish and heartfelt prayer, showcasing the power of sincere supplication. The Haftarah reading for the first day of Rosh Hashanah recounts Hannah’s emotional plea to God and the subsequent blessing from Eli, the Priest.
The Conditions for Nullifying VowsMISHNAH
The Conditions for Nullifying Vows
MISHNAH
The Mishnah outlines the specific conditions and time constraints for nullifying vows, balancing leniency and strictness in the process. This early third-century legal text from the Mishnah discusses the laws governing the nullification of vows, particularly focusing on the role of a father or husband in this process.
Dissolving VowsGUIDES
Dissolving Vows
GUIDES
Vows can be dissolved under certain conditions, reflecting the importance of intention and regret in Jewish legal thought. The Babylonian Talmud in tractate Nedarim discusses the principles and laws surrounding the annulment of vows.
A King's Secret OathTANAKH
A King's Secret Oath
TANAKH
The personal and confidential nature of King Zedekiah's oath to protect Jeremiah underscores the solemnity and divine invocation of the promise. In the Book of Jeremiah, King Zedekiah secretly swears to the prophet Jeremiah, assuring him that he will neither be killed nor handed over to his enemies.
The Perils of VowsTOSEFTA
The Perils of Vows
TOSEFTA
It is better not to take a vow at all, rather than taking a vow and not fulfilling it, or even taking a vow and fulfilling it. The Tosefta, a late 2nd-century compilation of Jewish oral law, discusses the importance of fulfilling vows and the preference for bringing offerings to the Temple.
The Power of an OathCHASIDUT
The Power of an Oath
CHASIDUT
An oath can ensure the fulfillment of a critical task, as seen when Abraham made his servant Eliezer swear to find a suitable wife for Isaac. This modern text, drawing from Genesis 24, highlights the seriousness and commitment required in upholding familial and societal values.
The Slippery Slope of SinMIDRASH
The Slippery Slope of Sin
MIDRASH
The Sifra illustrates how a seemingly minor sin like stealing can escalate to the grave offense of swearing falsely in God's name. This early halachic midrash on Leviticus, known as the Sifra, elaborates on the ethical commandments in Parashat Kedoshim, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity.
The Sacredness of VowsTARGUM
The Sacredness of Vows
TARGUM
Fulfilling a vow is so important that it must be done during one of the three pilgrimage festivals, and the offering must be without fault or blemish. The Targum Jonathan, an Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, emphasizes the seriousness of vows in Jewish law and tradition.