Permitting Charity Vows
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Question
Hello, I vowed to give charity, can I annul this vow?
Answer
Hello,
Charity vows are only annulled in times of distress because it causes loss to the poor, and one who annuls charity vows without distress is excommunicated.
However, if not annulling the vow would lead the person to violate it and not give the pledged charity, such as if he became poor and has no money to give, it is permitted to annul the vow.
Source
Chiddushei R' Akiva Eiger from the responses of Maharam Mintz, Siman 73, (and see in Shach, SK 2). Glosses of R' Akiva Eiger, Siman 158 and Pitchei Teshuva there, SK 8. (and noted in R' Akiva Eiger in the margins of Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 203).