B"H

Wednesday, Tammuz 23, 5786 / July 8, 2026

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

Parshat Matot begins with the laws of vows (Nedarim); "Moshe spoke to the heads of the tribes of the Children of Israel, saying, ‘This is what G-d has commanded; When a man makes a vow to G-d 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.’"

This Parsha teaches us the significance and implications of words we speak.

Indeed, the third commandment of the Ten Commandments, "Do not utter the name of the L-rd your G-d in vain," is a prohibition which is associated totally to what we say.

Words and speech are 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! The fact that the Torah relates that the world was created by G-d's sayings, “Let there be light,” etc., tells us how important words are; they have the power to build or to destroy.

King Solomon said, “Life and death are in the hands of the tongue.”

This is why it is important to say, "Bli Neder"; which means, "Without a vow" when making a commitment.  For one never knows if they will be able to honor their commitment.

We must especially be very 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. 

Q.   When one makes a vow to transgress a Torah law, are they required to keep his/her vow?

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 commandments.  We have already vowed at Mount Sinai, when we received the Torah, to keep and observe all the Commandments.

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 Chatam Sofer says that it is usually the heads of the tribes; the leaders, the politicians, who seek public office and compete for people’s votes, who 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, G-d commanded Moshe to first command this to the heads of the tribes… Although this applies to everyone, the Torah singles out the leaders of the Tribes.   

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY, BLESSED & SUCCESSFUL DAY