Nedarim 10: Vowing What We Mean to Vow

A number of pious men, chasidim, were alive during the time of the second Temple.  They were called chasidim because they went beyond observance of halacha.  Tzadikim, righteous people, are those who follow halacha to the letter of the law.

A number of rabbis agree that nazirites are in fact sinners, as they are atoning for transgressions.  Further, they abstain from drinking wine, which is a positive mitzvah.  Other rabbis disagree, stating that nazirites are to be admired for they have chosen to deny themselves what we all take for granted. In addition, the mitzvah of becoming a nazirite overrides the mitzvah of drinking wine.  This debate reminds me of our societal judgement of those who attempt to better their lives through some sort of sacrifice.  There is incredible suspicion about motivation, intentions, and the former behaviours that led them to this place of atonement.

A new Mishna teaches us that substitute words for different vows are considered to be valid vows.

• Konam: Offering (konam, konach, konas)
• Cherem: Dedication (cherek, cherekh, cheref)
• Nazir: Naziriteship (nazik, naziach, paziach)
• Shevua: Oath (shevuta, shekuka, mohi)

But these the terms of other nations, suggest some of our rabbis.  Others disagree.   Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel wonder about using terms that are substitutes for those substitute terms.  The former argue that a substitute term for a substitute is valid and thus the vow holds.  Beit Hillel argue that such terms are not valid and thus the vow is not valid.  The rabbis continue to argue about which words might be thought of as valid substitute terms and which words cause the vow to mean nothing. 

Our daf ends with a new Mishna.  If a person claims that someone else's food is forbidden to him/her because it is not ritually pure, then that food is forbidden to him/her.  If a person states that someone else's food is like an offering or like any part of the Temple, Jerusalem, or another holy place or process, that food is considered to be like an offering.  But if a person says that someone's food should be considered to be Jerusalem, they have said nothing.