On the morning before Rosh Hashanah, after the Shacharit prayer, in all minyans of the central synagogue “Golden Rose”, as well as in other synagogues of the Jewish community of Dnipro, the ceremony of “Gatarat Nedarim” – liberation from vows, which allows entering the New Year cleansed of unfulfilled vows or oaths taken.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe repeatedly emphasized that this ceremony must be performed with deep inner awareness and understanding of its spiritual meaning. It is not a formality, for words have a special material power and can both create and destroy a spiritual “barrier.” The ceremony of “Gatarat Nedarim” paves the way for the purification of the soul before the Day of Judgment, if performed consciously, with deep understanding, and with sincere intention.
Each man recited a prescribed text requesting release from vows, oaths, and other obligations he had undertaken, and three parishioners known for their serious attitude toward spiritual life and fear of God absolved him of this spiritual burden, as is provided for in Jewish tradition, in accordance with the provisions of the Halacha.
