B"H

Thursday Tammuz 26, 5777 / July 20, 2017

This Shabbat we read two portions in the Torah, Parshat Matotand Parshat Masei- the two final portions of the Book of Numbers (Bamidbar).

Parshat Matot begins with the laws of vows (Nedarim); "And Moshe spoke to the heads of the tribesof the children of Israel, saying, ‘This is what the L-rd has commanded; When a man makes a vow to the L-rd or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bind, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all which came out of his mouth.’"  

Q.  The Torah says, “He shall not break his word; he shall do according to all which came out of his mouth.” What happens when one made a vow to transgress a Torah law?

A.  If one vowed to transgress a commandment of the Torah he or she is prohibited to fulfill the vow.  A personal vow cannot override G-d's commandment. Also, we have already vowed at Mount Sinai, when we received the Torah, to keep and observe all the Commandments. Thus, the vow to keep the Torah comes first.

This Parsha also teaches us the significance of the words we speak.  Words and speech is a very powerful tools.  In fact, the creation of the universe, as told in the beginning of the Torah, came about through G-d's words! It shows how important words are; they can build or destroy.

This is why it is important to say, "Bli Neder"; which means, "without a vow," when making a commitment.  For, even with the best intentions, one never knows if they will be able to honor their commitment.  Thus, when making a pledge or commitment, whether in business or otherwise, it is always best to say "Bli Neder" - i.e., "without a vow."

We must be especially careful to avoid using the expression "I swear."  Swearing, even when one thinks they are 100% sure about the accuracy of the matter, is not appropriate.  How much more so, when one uses the expression “I swear” without even thinking whether the statement they are swearing to is indeed true.

Q.  Why, when Moshe commands the laws of not breaking one’s promise and keeping one’s word, which applies to allJewish people, he spoke to the heads of the tribes?

A.The Chasam Sofer says that it is usually the “heads of the tribes”; the leaders, the politicians, those who seek public office, who make so many empty promises. They will promise the people anything just to get elected, but as soon as they are in a position of leadership, they completely forget their vows and promises. Thus, the Torah directs the commandment, “not to break one’s word and to fulfill all that came out of one’s mouth, primarily to the leaders of the people.   

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY