to its new "owner." Thus the thing common to any neder is that it applies to the object, not the person. When a specific object is pledged, the neder is also called a nedavah, dedication, which is the name in Deut. 12:17; an example is, "This [animal] shall be a burnt-offering." In contrast, the type of shevu`ah mentioned above (referred to by the Sages as shevu'at bitui, שבעת ביטוי) (and distinct from "oath" in testimony and jurisprudence, also called shevu`ah) is a declaration wherein a person makes a statement obligating himself to perform a positive act or to refrain from doing something, either regarding past events or future ones. A shevu`ah is a requirement on the person, not on the object. An example is, "I will not eat any beans for thirty days." Reasons for nedarim Jewish people traditionally have made nedarim for a variety of reasons (some of which are cited below, for added illustration). Personal piety Some nedarim are made out of closeness to God and one's personal dedication. The neder is a way of making a commitment to the Torah and mitzvot and the practice of religion. For example, it is common for a tzaddik who is at a very high level of Torah practice to set new guidelines in his life. Gratitude Nedarim are sometimes made out of gratitude toward God for having been the beneficiary of some form of kindness from God's hand, such as a miracle. For example, one whose life has been saved from near-death might make a new neder as a commitment toward God. Personal improvement One who wishes to improve oneself might make a neder in order to change one's behavior for the better. In times of need Some Jews in times of desperation have made nedarim in hopes that God will answer their prayers in exchange for making a commitment. Essentially, they are "bargaining" with God to have their needs met. For example, a woman who is unable to have children might make a neder to give a certain amount of charity if she is blessed with children. The Nazirite neder A common type of neder is that of the Nazirite. A neder to be a Nazirite for a period of time or sometimes for life for either of the above-described reasons. The Nazirite is required to refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages or grape products, cutting one's hair, or exposure