1) It is the accepted Minhag in Klal Yisroel to say Hatoras Nedarim (annulling of vows) once a year in front of another three individuals (who act as a Bais Din), usually on Erev Rosh Hashana. (See Chayei Adam Klal 138:8 and Mateh Ephraim; Elef Hamagen Siman 581:102)
This serves to annul our vows (that are able to be annulled) so we can enter Rosh Hashana without the sin of unfulfilled vows, or the sins of not maintaining the performance of good deeds and customs that we have done three times or more, which would then in effect give them the status of something that was accepted as a vow. (This is why it is so important to always say "Bli Neder" when promising to do something or when undertaking something new (such as a chumrah or a minhag) which you aren't sure if you are able to always maintain).
If one doesn't understand the meaning of the words of Hatoras Nedarim (as it is printed in the Siddur or Machzor in Hebrew) and recites it anyhow, it isn't valid. (See Chayei Adam ibid.)
Therefore it is better to say it in English or any other language that you understand, or to read it and its translation beforehand so you will know what you are saying when you say it in Hebrew. (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 128:16)
2) Women do not have the custom to say Hatoras Nedarim (One of the reasons for this is that doing so in front of 3 men is not in accordance with Hilchos Tznius).
Rather, a married woman should have her husband say to the "Bais Din" that his wife appointed him as a Shliach (messenger) to annul her vows, and they in turn say " Mutarim Lah- her[ vows] are annulled".
Some Poskim say that women can rely on the communal Hatoras Nedarim recited at Kol Nidrei at the onset of Yom Kippur, and this is indeed what many women (especially single girls and women) rely on. (See Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 1 Siman 338 and Orchos Rabbeinu from the Steipler Zatzal Vol. 2 page171)
Reader's Question:
When davening for a choleh, by adding their name into the list of cholim in Refainu in shmoneh esrei, is it ok if the person is not actually sick "hospital type sick", rather mentally/emotionally? Can that person be added in there?
Answer:
Yes, a person with an emotional or mental illness may -and should- be davened for.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Elul Recall Notice:
Regardless of make or year, all units known as "human beings" are being recalled by the Manufacturer.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named "Adam" and "Eve" resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all
subsequent units. This defect is technically termed, "Serious Internal Non-morality," but more commonly known as "SIN."
Some of the symptoms of the SIN defect:
[a] Loss of direction
[b] Lack of peace and joy
[c] Depression
[d] Foul vocal emissions
[e] Selfishness
[f] Ingratitude
[g] Fearfulness
[h] Rebellion
[i] Jealousy
The Manufacturer is providing factory authorized repair service free of charge to correct the SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Hashem, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. To repeat, there is no fee required.
The number to call in for repair in all areas is: PRAYER. Once connected, please upload the burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, HASHEM, into the heart component of the human unit.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Hashem will replace it with:
[a] Love
[b] Joy
[c] Peace
[d] Kindness
[e] Goodness
[f] Faithfulness
[g] Gentleness
[h] Patience
[I] Self-control
Please see the operating manual, TORAH, for further details on the use of these fixes.
As an added upgrade, the
Manufacturer has made available to all repaired units a facility enabling direct monitoring and assistance from the resident Maintenance
Technician,HASHEM.
Repaired units need only make Him welcome and He will take up residence on the premises.
WARNING:
Continuing to operate a human being unit without corrections voids the Manufacturer's warranty, exposes the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list.
Thank you for your immediate attention. Please assist by notifying others of this important recall notice.
Important Numbers
