It is a charming little superstition to hear when I visit friends in Israel: “Are you coming to supper Yom Rishon?” “I intend to be there. Bli neder !” Bli neder . Without pledge. We actually know the substantive derivation of the root nun-dalet-resh quite well, as it forms the name of one of our most cherished moments: Kol Nidrei . “All Pledges.” In about twelve weeks we will gather together to hear three repetitions (yes, three! Stay tuned!) of this most sacred prayer which ultimately amounts to a legal document covering us for all the times we forgot to say, “ Bli neder !” But really, what’s the big deal? The passage of Parashat Mattot that we will be reading Saturday morning goes into what feels like absurd detail regarding the status of a pledge. Essentially, if a pledge is made by someone that according to the societal rules of the times was able to make that vow, then the pledge cannot be broken and must be carried out. It really seems quite simple, doesn’t it...