For the source text click/tap here: Shavuot 20
To download, click/tap here: PDF
In the Torah we find that it is forbidden to take a shevuat sheker – a false oath (see Vayikra 19:12) – and also a shevuat shav – an oath taken in vain (see Shemot 20:6). What is the difference between them?
Rav Dimi quotes Rabbi Yoḥanan as teaching that a shevuat sheker is a false oath taken regarding the future that is not kept, while a shevuat shav is an oath in vain about something that happened in the past. The Gemara on our daf challenges this opinion with a baraita that teaches that these two are the same but explains that this means that the two were taught simultaneously – they were said at the same time in a manner that allowed the listener to realize that two similar laws were being taught and understand the nuance of difference between them.
If one says "It is hereby incumbent on me that I not eat meat nor drink wine, as on the day on which my father died (source for fasting on a yahrtzeit), or as on the day when Gedaliyah ben Achikam was killed (fast of the 3rd of Tishrei), or as on the day on which I viewed Jerusalem in its destruction" - he is indeed prohibited; and Shmuel commented on this, "This is only true if he already vowed from that day on.”
We explore the historical figure of Gedaliah…was he a victim or victimizer?