Definition: Hatarat Nedarim, absolution of vows, is practiced by more observant Jews. In this practice, one person asks three others to act as their bet din, or religious court. In turn, each of the four asks the other three to act as their bet din. This ritual enables one to come before God on Rosh Hashanah with a clean slate - without any unfulfilled promises.
Hatarat Nedarim
By Lisa Katz, About.com
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