Does saying 'with G‑d's help' ('be'ezrat Hashem') count as a vow? | Vows and oaths | Ask the Rabbi - SHEILOT.COM

Does saying 'with G‑d's help' ('be'ezrat Hashem') count as a vow?

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Question

A charity gabbai approached me and asked me to donate to his fund. I told him that I would donate through 'Nedarim Plus'. He insisted that I take upon myself a higher amount and enter a raffle. Out of discomfort I agreed, asked him for the form, and said that I would return it to him 'with G‑d's help' ('be'ezrat Hashem'). In practice, I did not intend to donate such a large amount and to enter the raffle. Is my agreement considered a vow of a mitzvah, since I did not say 'bli neder' ('without a vow') but only 'be'ezrat Hashem'? Am I obligated for the higher amount that I mentioned?

Answer

Shalom u-vracha. 

If you said only 'be'ezrat Hashem' ('with G‑d's help'), and you did not intend to obligate yourself to give the donation, this is not a vow. You are not required to give that amount. 

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