The word for “violate” in Hebrew (yacheil) comes from the word for “profane” or “unholy” (chol). The inner meaning of this verse is therefore that we should not make our words “unholy”; even our mundane conversation should be imbued with holy intentions and be consistent with the greater purpose of Creation, making a home for G‑d in this world.1
G‑d instructed Moses regarding the laws governing how a person can make vows and oaths to G‑d.
Sacred Speech
אִישׁ כִּי יִדֹּר נֶדֶר לַה' וגו':
(במדבר ל:ג)
[G‑d instructed Moses to tell the Jewish people,] “If someone makes a vow to G‑d . . . he must not violate his word.”
Numbers 30:3
Footnotes
1.
Likutei
Sichot, vol. 13, p. 108.
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Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson (11 Nissan 1902–3 Tammuz 1994) became the seventh rebbe of the Chabad dynasty on 10 Shevat 1950. He is widely acknowledged as the greatest Jewish leader of the second half of the 20th century, a dominant scholar in both the revealed and hidden aspects of Torah, and fluent in many languages and on scientific subjects. The Rebbe is best known for his extraordinary love and concern for every Jew on the planet, having sent thousands of emissaries around the globe, dedicated to strengthening Judaism.
Moshe Yaakov Wisnefsky is a scholar, author and anthologist, and is editor-in-chief at Chabad House Publications of California. He is the author and translator of Apples from the Orchard, gleanings from the writings of the Arizal (Rabbi Isaac Luria, 1534–1572) on the Torah, and is the author and editor-in-chief of the Kehot Chumash produced by Chabad House Publications, featuring an interpolated translation of the Torah with commentary adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Moshe Yaakov Wisnefsky is a scholar, author and anthologist, and is editor-in-chief at Chabad House Publications of California. He is the author and translator of Apples from the Orchard, gleanings from the writings of the Arizal (Rabbi Isaac Luria, 1534–1572) on the Torah, and is the author and editor-in-chief of the Kehot Chumash produced by Chabad House Publications, featuring an interpolated translation of the Torah with commentary adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
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4 Comments
jb
July 4, 2021
You never know who is G-d, nor do you know where he is.
You must assume that G-d is present in every person you meet, remembering that he is your eternal friend.
Reply
Sunil
July 4, 2021
The human conditioning is really engrained and to change ones thoughts for the greater good involves the seeing in an instant.from the reactive to the responding. Reply
Nick Macina
Westlake
August 6, 2016
Wisdom I enjoy reading your comments . Reply

B"H!
Amein!
Thank you Rabbi Moshe Wisnefsky for sharing this teaching from the teachungs of the Rebbe of righteous memory with us.
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Shavua tov!