Q&A: Vows
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Vows
Question
Hello Rabbi Michi,
Is every vow that takes effect through a person’s conduct rabbinic, since a vow does not take effect at the Torah level except on something tangible?
Thank you
Answer
That does not follow, because it could be an oath and not a vow. It is rabbinic not for that reason, but because there was no verbal declaration of a vow here, and perhaps not even real intent to make a vow. Therefore the halakhic decisors are also lenient with this type of “vows” (for example, regarding them one may rely on the annulment performed on the eve of Rosh Hashanah).
Discussion on Answer
Indeed.
But it would still depend on whether an oath without invoking the Name is Torah-level.