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What are kinuyim—substitute terms for vows? Are they real dictionary words, or merely technical jargon that triggers the legal mechanics of a neder? Rabbi Zweig unpacks the Ran's framework distinguishing kinuyim as perversions of Hebrew from standard foreign-language equivalents, and traces a fundamental debate between the Rama and the Beis Yosef about whether commitment demands linguistic understanding or simply halachic consequence.
This shiur delivers a deep analysis of Nedarim 2a, focusing on the nature of kinuyim—substitute terms for making vows. Rabbi Zweig begins by presenting the Ran's understanding of the machlokes between Rav Yochanan and Reish Lakish. According to Rav Yochanan, kinuyim are "loshon nachrum"—words the gentiles use that are corruptions or slang versions of the Hebrew word "korban." According to Reish Lakish, kinuyim are "loshon shebadu chachamim"—technical terms the Sages instituted, which derive their power not from linguistic meaning but from rabbinic enactment as the designated language for vow-making. The Ran's approach raises several difficulties. If kinuyim are merely slang or perversions of Hebrew, why would Reish Lakish's position—that they work through rabbinic authority—be considered more obvious (pashut) than Rav Yochanan's view that they work as real language? The Gemara (גמרא) on daf 3a treats Rav Yochanan's position as more straightforward, yet according to the Ran's interpretation, it should be the reverse. Additionally, if loshon shebadu chachamim means the Sages have the power to create authoritative language through consensus, why would the Ran need to bring proof from Nazir that this works on a Torah (תורה) level?
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Nedarim 2a
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