Halachah and custom – Vows: keeping, avoiding and annulling them

הלכה ומנהג – נדרים: קיומם, "בלי נדר" והתרתם

The Rebbe's guidance on vows (nedarim) — making them, keeping them, and annulling them:

What a vow is for. Vows serve as personal fences that safeguard one's spiritual life where Torah observance alone may leave room for shortcomings, which is why their guidance is entrusted to the leaders of the generation (IK 1115). A vow that has been made should be fulfilled in full, and even increased — G-d responds measure for measure (IK 3589). A good practice kept regularly, like reviewing a set number of Mishnayos each day, is akin to a vow and should be maintained (IK 1491).

Avoiding vows. Give tzedakah coins and take on good practices without making a vow — say "bli neder" (IK 6565). One who is worried about vows made in the past should avoid making vows in the future and seek annulment for the earlier ones; there is no need for worry (IK 9851).

Annulment (hataras nedarim). When a vow is involved, it should be annulled as a rabbi instructs (IK 10445). On the laws of hataras nedarim for a good custom such as giving maaser, see IK 6873; on the customs of hataras nedarim before Rosh Hashanah, IK 1318.

See also: Halachah and custom – Asking a Rav, stringency and halachic questions; Tzedakah – How much and how to give: maaser, generosity, promptness and joy.

Shiurim in this topic

1115. On Nedarim, Personal Fences, and the Role of Leaders על נדרים, גדרים אישיים, ותפקיד המנהיגים

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1318. Haftarah Verses on Rosh Chodesh, Customs for Hataras Nedarim, and Selichos Order פסוקי ההפטרה בראש חודש, מנהגים להתרת נדרים, וסדר הסליחות

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1491. Balancing Daily Mishnayos Study and In-Depth Torah Learning איזון לימוד יומי משניות ולימוד תורה בעיון

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3589. A Good Start for Fulfilling and Increasing a Vow התחלה טובה לקיום והוספת נדר

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6176. Why 'Bli Neder' Is Not Said Before Accepting Ahavas Yisrael מדוע אין לומר בלי נדר לפני קבלת אהבת ישראל

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6565. Charity Coins Without a Vow, Drawing Close to Anash to Influence Others, and Preparing for Kislev נתינת פרוטות לצדקה בלי נדר, וקירוב לאנ"ש עד להשפיע על הסביבה, והכנה לחדש כסלו

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6873. Continuing Maaser Giving Amid Financial Constraints and Hataras Nedarim המשך נתינת מעשר בעת צמצום כלכלי והתרת נדרים

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9851. On Vows, Seeking Annulment, and Trust in Divine Providence בנוגע לנדרים, בקשת התרה, ובטחון בהשגחה פרטית

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10445. Travel to the Rebbe, Vows, and Seeking Guidance נסיעה אל הרבי, נדרים, ובקשת הדרכה

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