Nazir 62: Slaves and Women

The rabbis debate whether or not Gentiles can vow to be nazirites.  In today's daf, they focus on verses that include Gentiles in obligations other than nazirut.   When a verse uses the word "man", does it include Jews and non-Jews?  Does it include Gentiles of all ages?  At what age does a Gentile become a man?  And is that 'man' obligated in the halachot of nazirut?  Of course this raises larger questions about who is obligated in the laws revealed at Sinai, vows in general, and the Noahide laws.  The rabbis also note that vows of nazirut specifically include women.

A new Mishna teaches that there is greater stringency regarding the vows of slaves than the vows of women, for men can nullify their wives vows on the day that they are heard.  Such a nullification is permanent, even if she is divorced or widowed.   If a man tries to nullify his slave's vow, the slave is permitted to complete his nazirut once he is freed.  

The Gemara examines when a person is permitted to limit his slave's vows and when he is not.  

A final Mishna is offered where Rabbi Meir and Rabbi Yosei disagree about the fate of a slave who runs away from his owner after his vow has been interrupted by the owner.  Is he forbidden to drink, for his vow of nazirut takes effect (he is free), or is his prohibited from drinking, as his vow's status is still in effect (put on hold by his owner until he is emancipated)?

The Gemara looks to Shmuel, who teaches that a slave once freed is not required a "bill of manumission".  Thus shouldn't a slave be permitted to continue his nazirut once free, too?  The rabbis want to ensure that Rabbi Yosei agrees with Shmuel. They explain that he must assume that the slave will return to his owner.  In that case, he should not restart his observance of nazirut unless he is emancipated.