Nedarim

In Judaism, a neder (נדר, plural nedarim) is a declaration, using the name of God, of the acceptance of a self-made pledge, stating that the pledge must be fulfilled with the same importance as a halakha. The neder may be to fulfill some act in the future (either once or regularly) or to refrain from a particular type of activity of the person's choice. The concept of the neder and the surrounded Jewish law is described at the beginning of the parsha of Matot.

The word neder is often translated into English and other languages as a vow, but this is inaccurate: a neder is neither a vow nor an oath (known in Hebrew as "shevuah"). The simple recitation of a vow is not considered swearing an oath. There is no single word in English to describe a neder. The word "neder" is mentioned 33 times in the Pentatuach, 19 of which occur in the Book of Numbers.

Judaism views the power of speech as very strong. It is speech that distinguishes humans from animals, and has the power to accomplish a lot for better or for worse. Due to the strength of a neder, and the fact that one must absolutely be fulfilled if made, many pious Jews engage in the practice of saying "b'li neder" after a statement that they will do something, meaning that their statement is not a binding neder in the event they cannot fulfill their pledge due to unforeseen circumstances.

The most common way a neder is made is through verbal pronunciation. But according to some opinions, the performance of an act on three consecutive occasions is akin to a neder.

Jewish people traditionally have made nedarim for a variety of reasons (some of which are cited below, for added illustration).

Some nedarim are made out of closeness to God and one's personal dedication. The neder is a way of making a commitment to the Torah and mitzvot and the practice of religion. For example, it is common for a tzaddik who is at a very high level of Torah practice to set new guidelines in his life.

Nedarim are sometimes made out of gratitude toward God for having been the beneficiary of some form of kindness from God's hand, such as a miracle. For example, one whose life has been saved from near-death might make a new neder as a commitment toward God.

One who wishes to improve oneself might make a neder in order to change one's behavior for the better.

Some Jews in times of desperation have made nedarim in hopes that God will answer their prayers in exchange for making a commitment. Essentially, they are "bargaining" with God to have their needs met. For example, a woman who is unable to have children might make a neder to give a certain amount of charity if she is blessed with children.

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