Could you please tell me the difference between a neder and a nedava in regards to the formula/statement..ie the respective lashonos that are used to indicate neder or nedava (if indeed there are two distinct lashonos-- that's my question). If a shevua is indicated by "harei alei" and a neder by "harei zeh", what specific word/wording indicates nedava?
thank you
Matthew Kanter, Skokie,Il. USA
When a person accepts something upon himself (either obligating himself to do something, or prohibiting himself from doing something), it is a Shevu'ah, while when he makes an Isur on an
object, it is a Neder. However, Nidrei Hekdesh -- such as a Korban -- are an exception and in such cases the Neder takes effect even without an object. In cases of Nidrei Hekdesh, "Harei Alai" is a Neder which obligates the person to bring a Korban, and "Harei Zo" is a Nedavah which makes the animal Kadosh immediately.
Dov Zupnik