Nedarim 14b

נדרים י״ד ע״ב

Learn Nedarim 14b step by step: Aramaic beside English, every question, answer and proof colour-coded.

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Topic

Vowing by a ספר תורה, and vows that forbid actions like sleeping

Overview

A ברייתא teaches three rulings about a person who makes a נדר by a ספר תורה. A vow 'by the Torah' does nothing, a vow 'by what is written in it' works, and a vow 'by it and what is written in it' also works. The גמרא asks why the last ruling is needed, since it seems obvious. It gives three answers. רב נחמן says one case is a scroll on the ground and the other is a scroll held in the hand. The second answer is that both cases are on the ground, and the ברייתא uses the style of זו ואין צריך לומר זו. The third answer is that when he holds the scroll, even 'by it' alone counts as 'by what is written in it.' Then a new משנה teaches that a קונם vow forbidding sleeping, speaking, walking, or relations with one's wife is binding under לא יחל דברו. The גמרא then brings a מחלוקת between רב יהודה and רב נחמן about a vow 'sleep is forbidden today if I sleep tomorrow,' and notes that רב יהודה agrees in the reverse case.

Opening lines

The steps (9)

1. StatementThree ways to vow by a Torah scroll
2. ChallengeWhy teach the third case at all?
3. Resolutionרב נחמן: scroll on the ground versus scroll in his hand
4. ResolutionSecond answer: both on the ground, using the style 'this, and certainly that'
5. ResolutionHolding the scroll makes 'by it' mean 'by what is written in it'
6. StatementVows that forbid actions like sleeping or speaking are binding
7. Statementרב יהודה: do not sleep today if sleeping tomorrow would make today forbidden
8. Statementרב נחמן: he may sleep today without worry
9. Statementרב יהודה agrees in the reverse case