Does a Silent Vow Count – Making a Neder in ones thoughts
Question:
I became upset at my local shul due to a personal disagreement and, in a moment of frustration, I thought to myself that I would never step foot in that shul again. I dont recall saying anything out loud, but I am concerned that perhaps this is considered a vow. Am I halachically bound by this thought, and would I need to perform hataras nedarim (annulment of vows) before returning?
Answer:
If you only thought this in your mind and did not verbalize it, then halachically it does not constitute a binding vow, and hence you may return to the shul without any issue. However, if you did express it verbally — even quietly to yourself — it may be considered a neder (vow), and hataras nedarim would need to be performed to annul it.
Explanation:
In halacha, a vow (neder) only takes effect when it is verbalized. Mere thoughts, even if emotionally intense, do not carry halachic weight in this context. Therefore, unless the individual clearly remembers articulating the statement aloud, there is no obligation to annul anything. However, if he did verbalize it — even in private — then the vow may be binding. In such a case, the process of hataras nedarim is straightforward: he should gather three kosher Jewish men who are shomrei Shabbos, and state that he wishes to annul a vow. They will respond three times, “It is annulled,” and the vow is thereby nullified.
Sources: Michaber Y.D. 210:1; Shavuos 26;
