QUESTION: Why did the Chachamim add prohibitions and fencing enactments?
ANSWER: An individual makes a vow of limitation in order to be a fence on the elements of the world when additional measure of restraint is needed to maintain one’s level of spirituality. Likewise, the Chachamim foresaw the need for the entire nation to have the ability to maintain their high spiritual level in the face of the demands of the physical world. )1076, עמ' ד לקוטי שיחות כרך (
QUESTION: Why did the Leviim also participate in the war against Midyan?
ANSWER: The war against Midyan was not like all the other wars. The other wars were offensive or defensive wars. The war against Midyan was specifically to defend the honor of HaShem. Thus, the Leviim were included in this war as members of the soldiers of HaShem and received a portion of the “booty”. The lesson is (since all can seek the level of a Levi) that one’s place is not only within one’s four amos to the exclusion of all else. Rather, all must become involved in fighting for the sake of G-d in this world against those forces that oppose G-dliness in this world. )209 , עמ'כג לקוטי שיחות כרך (
QUESTION: How do we understand Rambam’s three assessments involving a person and vows (making a vow, operating without a vow, and higher than a vow)?
ANSWER: The three approaches to vows represent three levels of service to HaShem:
- First Level - נדר
נדרים סיג לפרישות - Second Level - בלי נדר
קדש עצמו במותר לך - 3rd Level – למעלה מנדר
בכל דרכיך דעהו
For one who needs a vow to reinforce one’s resolve (a trusted fence)
Separating from the permissible by a vow; helps a person to fix one’s actions and separate from the “lusts” of the worldרמב”ם הל' נדרים יג, כד
For one who has self-control to avoid the appeals of the outside world
Separating from the permissible without a vow; able to separate from unworthy matters without a vowרמב”ם הל' דעות ג, א
For one who is not drawn after worldly matters but can utilize them to make birur
Not separating from the permissible; can affect the material world in a positive manner
)191 'עמ ,לגלקוטי שיחות כרך (
QUESTION: How is a Chacham able to release a vow?
ANSWER: Vows are necessary when a person needs assistance to not sink into the coarseness of the world. A Chacham exists in a higher level that is not affected by the coarseness and can actually transform the “darkness” into light. From that level the Chacham can “lift” another Jew to this higher level where the vow is no longer needed. )60 , עמ'לח לקוטי שיחות כרך(
