The Nazirite vow is found in this week’s Torah Portion. One who declares him/herself a Nazirite, vows to refrain from certain things as an act of devotion to God. (Num 6:1-21) The restrictions a “nazir” takes on are: To refrain from wine and grapes, to let one’s hair grow long, and to have no contact with a corpse, even one’s own parent. In his book Biblical Literacy, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin notes that, while such a vow is allowed, it is not at all encouraged in Judaism, ancient or modern. And it is always for a limited amount of time. While other religions have an exalted place for those who deny themselves earthly pleasures in the name of God, Judaism frowns on self-denial, especially as an act of spirituality.
Telushkin quotes several rabbinic sages who made their disapproval of the Nazirite clear. For example: “Is it not enough what the Torah has forbidden you, but you wish to forbid yourself more things?” (Palestinian Talmud Nedarim 9:1). On the contrary, our tradition wants us to enjoy life and all it has to offer. One of the three great values of Shabbat is Oneg, joy. (The others are Kedusha, holiness, and Menucha (rest).) We begin each Shabbat with a blessing over wine and a sumptuous repast. We enjoy hospitality and social time with fellow Jews (thus “Oneg” Shabbat), and we are encouraged to enjoy intimacy with a spouse on Shabbat. Denying oneself enjoyment in life is antithetical to the Jewish way, and only allowed within strict limits.
-Rabbi Dena A. Feingold
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