Oaths, Vows, and Their Annulment
Shevuot
Distinguish shevuat bitui (a statement about the past or future) from shevuat shav (a vain oath). Know the requirement of hashem and the prohibition against swearing falsely. Understand the role of beis din in administering oaths.
Nedarim
Master neder (vow) categories: neder issur (prohibiting an object) and neder hekdesh (consecration). Know the rules of hatarat nedarim (annulment by a sage or three laymen) and hafarah (annulment by a husband or father).
Traps
- Confusing neder (which binds an object) with shevuah (which binds a person).
- Assuming a husband can annul any vow (he cannot annul vows already fulfilled or those involving others).
- Misapplying hatarat nedarim to a vow that requires a sage.
Rule of thumb
For any vow question, ask: (1) is it a neder or a shevuah? (2) who has the power to annul (sage, three laymen, husband, father)? (3) has the vow already been fulfilled?