Vow Nullification

This week we complete the Book of Bamidbar, with מטות-מסעי and Rosh Chodesh. The beginning of פרשת מטות, discusses vows and how to nullify them.

It is interesting to note that Rabbi Elie Munk wrote that the Halacha that a husband can nullify the vows of his wife, represents the only law in the Torah that appears to be discriminatory against women. He does not try to justify or rationalize this fact, but merely acknowledges it.

He also makes a distinction between the words, הפרה, that applies to a father and his minor daughter, in addition to a husband nullifying his wife’s vows, and the word, התרה. This latter term applies to one who regrets making a vow and wants to be released of that vow. He must go to a Rav who is qualified to give such a release.

Generally, the criteria would be, “Had I known that these would be the consequences of my vow, I would never have made it.” The important lesson to be learned from all of this is that we should take great care to watch what we say.

In קהלת it is written, טוב שלא תדור, משתדור ולא תשלם. It is better not to make a vow rather than make one that will not be fulfilled.