The Danger of an Unreleased Vow - Matot

 Parashat Matot opens with one of the
Torah’s most important laws: 

  (vow) or shevuahThe Gemara tells us that one of the greatest tragedies in Tanach occurred because two great men allowed honor to stand in the way of halachah. 

  But Yiftach said, “I am the judge. Why should I go to him?” 

 Neither was willing to humble himself.  

Our Sages teach that Pinchas was
punished for failing to act. The Divine Presence departed from him, and
according to the Midrash, he lost the the souls of Nadavand Avihu,

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