Making Vows

The beginning of Parshat Matot, speaks about making vows and their nullification. Generally, the Halacha is opposed to making vows.

Often people make vows in anger, which they later regret. There is a mechanism where it is possible to have vows nullified. This is called “Hatarat Nedarim.” It is based on the idea that the individual declares in front of the Beit Din, “Had I known the ramifications of such a vow, I never would have made it.”

The Alshich points that if one makes a vow with the intent of overcoming his Yeitzer Hara, evil inclination, such a vow is permitted. He understands his own weaknesses and needs the vow to help him. This could be why the Nazir makes his vow which forces him to distance himself from drinking wine. Alcoholic beverages can cause a person to sin.

Vows can be made to help overcome character flaws as well. He might have a problem with anger management and he vows that every time he gets angry, he will give a significant sum to charity.

In general, we learn how to fulfill the verse, מוצא שפתיך תשמור, that one should guard his lips from saying inappropriate things. Speech can be so damaging and we must be careful how we use speech in the right way.

We must be careful with vows and be careful to speak in a proper and dignified manner.