As Daf 33 is tiny in terms of content, we will discuss a teaching at the top of 34a, “אין נזירות אלא להפלאה”, which means that in certain situations, a Nazir cannot make a vow that is contingent on something which will remain unclear. 

Naziriteship is imposed upon someone only if the vow is stated with explicitness [hafla’a] and enunciated. The Torah says that a vow must be “clearly” pronounced, as the verse states: “When either man or woman shall clearly utter [yafli] a vow, the vow of a nazirite” (Numbers 6:2). This verse indicates that his vow is valid only if it is explicit.

Rav Tzaddok (Takanas Hashavin 6) explains this law as stemming from a deeper truth about the state of being a Nazir. As we discussed in Psychology of the Daf Nazir 16, the Torah does not state explicitly the number of days to be a Nazir because the institution itself requires a certain subjective assessment. The Nazir is taking an almost extra-legal action, motivated by his own sense of spiritual lacunae. If so, he must determine for himself what is needed for his rectification. Likewise, the halakha that Nazirhood requires specificity and an explicit vow without dependency on undeterminable contingencies represents that his intention must be clear headed and with appropriate consideration.

This is good advice for other undertakings in life. Do not leave it to happenstance or lack of clarity. Seize your destiny and opportunities in a clear headed manner, and refuse others if they seem wrong to you.

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

Do you like what you see? Please subscribe and also forward any articles you enjoy to your friends, (enemies too, why not?)