Q&A: Vows
Vows
Question
Hello, honorable Rabbi,
I made a vow not to speak with channelers / numerologists, etc.
I’m not managing to keep it, and I do find myself needing guidance from them.
Is it possible, and how, to annul the vow?
Thank you.
Answer
Greetings.
I don’t think you’ll find a rabbi who will release you from this vow (or oath), because in any case it is already a Torah-level prohibition to do this. For that reason, even if they were to release you from the vow, it would still remain forbidden, so what would you gain?!
In most cases this is nonsense without any substance from frauds, charlatans, or just plain fools. But even if by chance there is someone who seems genuine to you, and even if we assume it’s not just because you missed their deception, it is forbidden by Torah law to rely on what they say.
Discussion on Answer
Thank you for your answer, honorable Rabbi.
My question is whether this vow is even considered valid, since I vowed about something that is forbidden anyway, and I used the wording: “I hereby vow, as a vow and an undertaking, not to go near.” What is my legal status if I failed in this again?
I would appreciate your response.
This is an oath phrased in the language of a vow (because you forbade an act upon yourself, not an object). According to most opinions, this has the status of an oath, and an oath not to commit a prohibition does not take effect, except perhaps as vows of urging. But none of that matters, because regardless of the vow or oath, you are violating a prohibition by turning to such people, even if there is neither a vow nor an oath here. So from this point on, it is not relevant.
As for what already happened, I already wrote that there is no room to release such a vow or oath. You can repent fully and take it upon yourself not to return to this again. And great is repentance out of love, which turns deliberate sins into merits.
As was suggested here, if you have questions and uncertainties that you want to consult about, it is better to turn to a wise person or to a rabbi (a sage) and consult with him. Turning to sorcerers and magicians is among the ways of the Amorites and is forbidden.
Rabbi, maybe she should ask you, or some rabbi, about her doubts in life, without revealing personal details.
In the spirit of: a sage is preferable to a prophet, preferable to a channeler, preferable to a doubtful channeler and probably a charlatan.