Bs”d
Parshas Matos – Masai (5761)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In our sedra we have the parsha of nedarim, one exercising his power to make something otherwise permissible forbidden on himself. The usual understanding of the function of these vows is to engage in a self-deprivation as a means of spiritual uplifting. The Mesilas Yesharim (13) gives a beautiful insight in understanding this abstaining in the proper light. On one hand we find that Chazal condemns and criticizes self-deprivation and at the same time an appreciation and glorification of the same. The Mesilas Yesharim makes peace between the two showing where each is applicable.
There is a whole other aspect of nedarim, the making forbidden the permissible, which involves one of our great principles. There is a mentality that permeates the world that if one has an ideal it is considered admirable and noble to attempt and yearn to perform something that demonstrates one’s belief and allegiance to the ‘cause’. This concept spills over into the ranks of ovdei Hashem likewise. At first glance it seems logical and makes sense. It is, however, opposite of the Torah and the ratzon Hashem.
The reason is that one of the great secrets of the universe is that mankind is challenged by a great enemy who has power and control, the yetzer harah. No human has the right or is in the position to take up a challenge against him. No human can have the self confidence and self assurance in his own resources and strength that he can stand up and demonstrate his allegiance and commitment without the fear of complete defeat. Of course, once it is Divinely ordained to be thrown into the battlefield he must harness all his energies to do his best. But from his own vantagepoint, a person must do everything to avoid confrontation. The world challenges, ‘are you a man or a mouse”? We reply—A MOUSE! We have nothing and no assurance that we can cope. We pray “al tashlet banu yetzer harah”. We don’t challenge, we attempt to limit our confrontation. One of our resourceful tools is the neder. We enlist the power of the vow to assist us to keep away. The lesson of the neder is: run from the nisayon.
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Klal Yisroel is plagued with tzoros, poverty—sickness—divorce—childless couples – children going astray, it is all the result of the churban. We have a lot to mourn for and lot to hope for—the geula sh’layma through Mashiach Tzidkainu.