Today’s daf is sponsored by Lesley & Don Nadel for the refuah shleima of Don’s brother Al, Eliyahu Shlomo ben Zisa Risa who is undergoing brain cancer treatment.
If one takes a vow using the wording “like the vows of the wicked” that is a valid vow. The nature of the vow will depend upon what it was said about, as Shmuel later explains. For example, if there was food in front of the person when the statement was made, it is understood to be an oath forbidding the food. If a nazir passed before the person, then the statement is understood as taking upon oneself to be a nazir. If there was an animal, it is understood to be designated for a sacrifice. Shmuel adds that in order for it to be valid, another word must be added, indicating that there was intent to take a vow like “I will be” or “on me.” If one used the language “vows (nedarim) of kosher ones (virtuous people)” it is an invalid statement, but “voluntary offerings (nedavot) of kosher ones” is a valid statement and understood to be either a nazir or for a sacrifice. Why is there a difference in the Mishna if one uses the language of neder or nedava and according to whose opinion does this correspond? The Gemara first explains according to Rabbi Meir’s approach. To highlight the difference between neder and nedava, an example is brought of Hillel the Elder who took particular care when he would bring a voluntary offering as a sacrifice. An example of nedava of a nazir is brought as well.
