Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. As I asked this week after your shiur in Shul, regarding Esther, the 14-year-old Jewish girl who was missing for nearly two weeks, I pledged a donation on behalf of her relief, lifesaving and deliverance campaign, a large sum of Tzedaka money as others also did. Now that she returned after likely not being aducted at all, since she just departed herself and her life was not in really any danger, I wonder if I really have to comply with my Neder (promise), since it seems to be that in reality there was no abduction at all. Esther just run away from home herself. What is the Halacha in such a case?
A. Indeed, Esther was the subject of a rare “Level One Search,” with police deploying their mounted and marine units in the effort. Even drones were used to conduct an aerial search of Earl Bales Park. A parallel volunteer search also took place in the North York neighbourhood where Esther was last seen on May 16, with hundreds of volunteers helping to put up posters, seeking tips. A most impressive campaign of prayers for her, and Tzedaka and help for the needy was offered, given and collected in many Synagogues and institutions on her behalf.
Police say that the investigation into her disappearance is continuing, yet no criminal charges have yet been laid.
Police said that their investigation would continue to help determine “whether or not there is any evidence of criminality” associated with Esther’s “prolonged disappearance.”
Police also said that they were “actively” looking into who lived in the home where Esther was found.
You might also consider that any fourteen year old girl without any family supervision, on her own for that amount of time, would be considered in a dangerous situation.
As I consulted with Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a today and other Rabbanim, we must wait some time to get the clear picture and details of what actually happened, to answer your Shaila, if the Neder (promise) you made was indeed a correct and valid one or not?
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
Important Numbers
