6108. More Never Say Neder!
Thank so much for your answer. As I always understood, there are more meanings and reasons for Kol Nidrei, such as more Holy feeling and great holy Kavanot?
A. Indeed there are. Here is just a bit.
Zohar (Ra'ayah Mehemna 3: p. 255) asserts that the purpose of Kol Nidrei is to repeal and annul all dinim and negative decrees against Am Yisroel.
Sh'loh Hakadosh explains that we perform hatoras nedorim on Erev Rosh Hashana for the purpose of being z'rizim makdimim or diligent in preempting mitzvos. Besides, it is necessary since people may not be careful to recite, intend or understand properly what the intention of Kol Nidrei is. Sheilas Yavetz (1: 145) indeed wonders why the need for the two declarations and offers other elucidations.
Remoh (Y. D. 211: 1) rules that Kol Nidrei serves as a declaration for future nedarim, and you can rely on it in case of great need.
Minchas Shlomo (Nedarim 24a) debates if for the purpose of nedarim that were created by observing a mitzva or a minhag, the above declarations will help, since when those acts were done, there was no intention of them becoming a neder. See Igrois Moishe (Y.D. 1: 127) as to what kind of minhag or adopted practice may become a neder.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is to be lenient on adopted traditions that are not a mitzva and rely on the above declarations without needing further hatoras nedarim. (See questions 67, 360, and 688 in this forum).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Reviewed by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Published: September 22, 2026