„The times of the soul's elevation are not constant... Indeed, togethe…”
„The times of the soul's elevation are not constant... Indeed, together with the elevation, some foreign, imaginary element may sometimes be attached, and life itself afterward clarifies the value of the dross within it. Therefore there must be room for the annulment of vows through a sage.”From Rishon LeYafo, 4
This week's portion opens with the matter of vows: "When a man vows a vow to the Lord... according to all that issues from his mouth he shall do." Truth is a concept upon which a world is built; falsehood is a foundation upon which it is destroyed. A vow takes our words and gives them added force — commitment and meaning. Together with this, the Torah gives the individual an opening to have their vows annulled. This is because of a commitment a person sometimes takes upon themselves in hours of elevation or distress, entirely contrary to their nature, so that in the very fulfillment of the vow the person denies their own nature. Therefore the option of annulment through a sage was provided.
From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.