1. Overview of Parshas Naso and Its Structure
This week’s review focuses on Parshas Naso, which is notably one of the longest parshiyos in the Torah. The parsha contains several major topics, including the laws of sotah—a woman suspected of unfaithfulness—and the laws of nezirus&mdash>the Nazirite vow. The parsha concludes with the birchas kohanim—the priestly blessings. Today, we will focus primarily on the section dealing with nezirus, beginning with the simple meaning of the second verse in chapter six.
2. The Language of Nezirus: Lindoyr Neder Nazir Lahazir
The Torah introduces nezirus with a unique and somewhat repetitive phrase: “Lindoyr neder nazir lahazir.” This phrase can be translated as “to vow a vow of a nazirite, to separate.” The word nazir refers to someone who separates themselves, specifically from wine and grape products. The verse continues with “lahazir laShem”—to separate for Hashem’s sake.
The Gemara in the beginning of Nedarim discusses why the Torah uses such an extended language. It questions whether we can learn something from this duplication: why not simply say “lindoyr laShem” or “lindoyr nazir laShem”? Instead, it says “lindoyr neder nazir lahazir laShem,” which seems repetitive.
3. Distinction Between Neder and Nazir
The Gemara divides this phrase into two parts: “lindoyr neder” and “nazir lahazir.” A regular neder—a vow—does not necessarily relate to abstaining from wine or becoming a nazir. A person can make a neder about any matter, creating an issur—a prohibition—for themselves regarding something otherwise permitted. Thus, “lindoyr neder” refers to ordinary vows, while “nazir lahazir” refers specifically to separating from wine as part of nezirus.
This distinction is reflected in halacha: one can make a vow about anything (such as not eating a certain food), but nezirus is a specific form of separation involving abstention from wine, haircuts, and contact with tumas mes (impurity from corpses).
4. The Purpose and Motivation Behind Nezirus
Rashi explains that “lahazir laShem”—to separate for Hashem’s sake—teaches that this separation must be done l’shem Shamayim—for the sake of Heaven. The Rebbe elaborates that when someone separates themselves from aspects of this world (olam hazeh), it must be purposeful and meaningful. One should not deny themselves Hashem’s creations without good reason.
The connection between Parshas Sotah and Parshas Nazir is also highlighted by Rashi, quoting Chazal: “Kola roeh sotah bikilkula yazir atzmo min hayayin shemayvi lidei niuf”—‘Anyone who sees a sotah in her disgrace should separate himself from wine, which leads to immorality.’ This shows that abstention is meant as a safeguard for spiritual growth or protection, not as an end in itself.
5. Limits on Abstinence and Enjoyment of the World
The Rebbe brings additional sources emphasizing that one will have to answer for not enjoying Hashem’s world appropriately if there was no valid reason for abstaining. Only when necessary for spiritual protection should one refrain from permitted things. This principle underlies many rabbinic decrees (gezeiros derabbanan) designed to protect us from transgression by setting boundaries around what is permitted.
If there is no pressing need or spiritual danger, unnecessary abstinence is discouraged. The Torah expects us to enjoy Hashem’s world responsibly unless there is a clear purpose—such as safeguarding oneself against temptation or sin.
6. Halachic Implications and Further Discussion in Gemara
The Gemara further discusses whether we derive two separate halachos from this verse: one regarding nedarim (vows) and another regarding nezirus (Nazirite vows). In pshat—the straightforward reading—it appears that both are included: one may make any kind of vow (to eat or not eat something), but once vowed, one must fulfill their word.
The Gemara also addresses additional issues related to vows—for example, not only must one avoid violating their own vow directly, but there are further halachos about how vows are made and maintained. These discussions form the foundation for much of Hilchos Nedarim and Hilchos Nezirus found throughout Shas.