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Why does the Talmud (תלמוד) say that one who breaks vows will see family members die? The shiur explains this isn't about divine punishment but about emotional destruction - when we break promises to spouses or children, we kill their dignity and self-worth. True marriage requires treating each other as independent people deserving respect, not as appendages of ourselves.
Rabbi Zweig continues his discussion of Koheles 5:5, focusing on the devastating consequences of not keeping one's word to family members. The Talmud (תלמוד) states that one who fails to keep vows will see their spouse or children die, which initially appears harsh and incomprehensible. Rabbi Zweig explains that this isn't about innocent parties being punished for another's sins, but rather about the spiritual and emotional destruction that occurs when we fail to honor our commitments. The rabbi explains why the laws of vows (nedarim) appear in the Talmudic section dealing with marriage and divorce. This placement teaches that communication - specifically keeping one's word - forms the foundation of all human relationships, especially marriage and family. Marriage is not a partnership where each person remains independent, but rather a merger where two people maintain their separate identities while merging completely in purpose to build a family together.
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Koheles 5:5
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