For the source text click/tap here: Nedarim 79
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Steinsalz writes:
the ability of a woman’s father or husband to nullify a neder taken by her – hafarat nedarim – and specifically of which vows can be annulled. From a close reading of the passages in Bamidbar (30:10-14) the Talmudic Sages conclude that a man cannot nullify any neder taken by his wife, rather his power is limited only to vows that affect the personal relationship between husband and wife – bein ish le-ishto – or nedarim that are considered vows that make her suffer – innuy nefesh.
We examine these sufferings of the flesh in light of the Isaiah passage appropriated by Christian theologians and rabbinic responses including the work of Daniel Boyarin.
We review the notion of suffering in the work of Simone Weil a borderline figure who converted to Catholicism but retained resonances with deep kabbalistic thinking.