Addiction as a Relational Issue Rooted in Trauma
In some Jewish traditions, the concept of a "bond" (אסר, issar) is understood as a self-imposed prohibition, often associated with an oath [1, 2]. This bond is not merely a general promise but specifically links an object or action to something already forbidden by an oath, thereby extending the prohibition [1, 2]. For instance, Numbers 30:11 states, "Or bound her soul by a bond with an oath," which is interpreted to mean that the bond itself is connected to a pre-existing oath [1, 2]. This understanding suggests that an individual can create a new restriction for themselves by associating it with an earlier, foundational commitment or prohibition.
Sources
- Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Shevuot 99b.39:7: Rather, from where may one derive that a bond is the association of some object or action with another matter that has been prohibited by an oath? One may derive it from the verse, as it is written: “Or bound her soul by a bond with an oath” (Numbers 30:11), which indicates that the bond is associated with a preexisting oath.”
- Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Shevuot 20a.7: Rather, from where may one derive that a bond is the association of some object or action with another matter that has been prohibited by an oath? One may derive it from the verse, as it is written: “Or bound her soul by a bond with an oath” (Numbers 30:11), which indicates that the bond is associated with a preexisting oath.”