Hataras Nedarim is performed by all males over the age of Bar Mitzvah, in the presence of a full Minyan. [If this is not possible, one may recite Hataras Nedarim in front of three men or boys over the age of Bar Mitzvah. There is a debate as to whether Hataras Nedarim can be performed via a Shliach, letter, phone call or Zoom, and this may be relied upon when there is no other choice. Nevertheless, even according to the lenient opinion, this is valid only when the three men serving as Dayanim are physically present together.]
One should stand when reciting Hataras Nedarim, whereas everyone else sits.
One must understand the text of Hataras Nedarim. If he doesn’t understand the Hebrew, he should say it in English.
The text of Hataras Nedarim in the Siddur is effective only for those vows or positive practices that one no longer remembers. Any vow or positive practice that one remembers must be presented (not necessarily on Erev Rosh Hashana) before a Beis Din of three, of whom at least one is well-versed in the laws of Nedarim.
A “positive practice” requires Hataras Nedarim if it was observed:
- One time or more, with the intention of continuing to do so indefinitely.
- Three times or more, even in the absence of any such intention, unless he specifically stipulated (whether verbally or in thought) that he was doing so “Bli Neder” (without a vow).
