Some good things also have a downside.
As we celebrate the Fourth of July we feel blessed and privileged to live in the United States of America. It is truly a remarkable country, built on the solid foundations of liberty and equality. But living in a democracy does not guarantee positive results. Just look across the Atlantic at Egypt. Or look back in history at the Greeks and Romans. The inventors of democracy would never stack up against modern democracies. A democracy can only be as strong – and virtuous – as the people and culture standing behind it.
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In the first of this week’s two parshiyot of Matot-Mas’ei, the Torah discusses the laws of vows. As a rule, “If a man makes a vow to the Lord or makes an oath to prohibit himself, he shall not violate his word; according to whatever came out of his mouth, he shall do.”
The Talmud rules that vows are only compulsory if articulated verbally, as indicated in this week’s parsha. But if I plan in my mind to do something, say participate in a Fourth of July barbecue, I am not obligated to follow through (though I might suffer the consequences if Grandma notices my absence!).
Like all rules, however, there is an exception. If a person pledges tithes, charity or a sacrifice to the Beit Hamikdash – the pledge must be honored even if it was only committed in thought! When it comes to matters of holiness, nonverbal undertakings are just as valid as spoken promises. Usually, we are admonished to honor our word. Here, we must fulfill our thought!
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Why does the Torah make this exception? If a vow is only binding based on its pronunciation, shouldn’t charity be held to the same standard as other matters?
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The Talmud offers a Torah source as proof of this law (from the language employed by donations to the Mishkan). I would humbly submit that there may be a lesson as well.
When it comes to mundane affairs there is a plus and minus to every equation. Democracy may be good – but it can also do harm. Fourth of July barbecues are wonderful – but they might raise my cholesterol level. In order to count, the vow must be uttered. Verbalization serves as a checkpoint and counterbalance to our sometimes ambitious or aggressive minds.
But in matters of holiness – such as charity – there cannot be a downside. Without a drawback, our minds deserve no muzzle.
The next time I think of doing a mitzvah, I’ll remember to fly free like a bird… And then I’ll be forced to follow through.