Chapter 67:7-9
The Laws Governing Vows and Oaths
7. A Person who accepted a stringency upon himself in matters permitted by
Torah law (in order to cultivate self-control and austerity) -e.g., fasting
during the days of Selichos [preceding Rosh Hashana], refraining from
eating meat or drinking wine beginning from the seventeenth of Tammuz
[until after the tenth of Av], and the like - and does not desire to
continue observance of this practice must absolve his commitment according
to the accepted rite.
The above applies even when a person observed the practice only once, as
long as he had the intention of continuing its observance forever (or if he
observed the practice three times even though he did not have the intention
of accepting the practice forever, as long as he did not specify that he
was performing it bli neder - without the obligation of a vow).
[When requesting the absolution of one's commitment,] one should begin by
making a statement of regret, [explaining why] one regrets accepting the
practice as a vow.
[In order to avoid these restrictions,] a person who wishes to observe a
stringency in order to cultivate self-control and austerity should, before
carrying out the practice, state that his intention is to perform it only
on the present occasion or only when he desires, but not at all times.
8. How is a vow or oath absolved? One must approach three Torah scholars,
one of whom must be experienced in the laws pertaining to vows - and know
which vows may be nullified and which vows may not be nullified - and is
familiar with the rite of absolution. These scholars will then absolve [the
vow or oath].
If a person makes a vow in a dream, it is preferable for him to have it
absolved by ten Torah scholars.
9. Even though with regard to all the mitzvos of the Torah, a male is not
considered to be an adult until he reaches the age of thirteen and
manifests signs of physical maturity, and a female is not considered to be
an adult until she reaches the age of twelve and manifests signs of
physical maturity, an exception is made regarding the laws of vows and
oaths; in this context, they are considered to be adults a year earlier.
Thus, if a male child who is twelve years and one day old and a female
child who is eleven years and one day old understand for the sake of Whom
they utter vows and oaths, their vows are valid vows and their oaths, valid
oaths, even though they have not manifested signs of physical maturity.
However, below this age, even if they comprehend the nature of what they
are saying, their statements are of no consequence. Nevertheless, they
should be rebuked and punished so that they will not become accustomed to
making vows and oaths. Furthermore, if the vow they made is a small matter
which does not involve hardship, [even though it is not binding,] we compel
them to observe it.
