How large a personnel etc. This is not so; but an equal number to the tribunal pronouncing the excommunication, and of equal scholarly standing is required for release. Possibly this refers to a release during the period of sentence, but at its expiration any three or one scholar may release him. Or, when one not a scholar pronounced the excommunication on account of a transgression, after the expiration of the time of sentence, any three or an individual scholar may release him; but if many made the pronouncement, an equal number of like standing is required¹.

footnotes: ¹ Maimonides supports his decision on Nedarim, 8b, and Sanhedrin, 68a. C. G.

A disciple of the wise etc. This is not clear, if so, why did Judah not release himself, moreover, why did Jacob not release him?¹

footnotes: ¹ Here is only a difference of opinion in a fundamental rule of practice. Maimonides contends that a scholar releases himself even in a matter where separation is justified, basing his decision on Mo'ed Katan 17a, and Nedarim, 7a. The apparent contradiction of Judah, is no contradiction at all, as Judah bound himself to bring Benjamin back, which is a bond to perform a definite thing, in which case Maimonides does not sanction the release by one's own self. Jacob did not release him, because Judah brought Benjamin back and delivered to Jacob, which was sufficient ground to believe that there was no need for a release. C. G.