A youth was once brought to the rabbi in honor of his twelfth birthday to receive a blessing.
What lesson do you share with a 12-year-old?
Rabbi Landa sat with the boy and explained that although his Bar Mitzvah was still a year off, he must nevertheless be careful to always append “Bli Neder” since Onas Nedarim starts from 12 years and a day (מופלא הסמוך לאיש).
After all the explanations, the rabbi asked the boy if he understood. Yes, he said. So, to test him, Rabbi Landa then asked him if he will careful to avoid making open promises? And the boy said: Yes.
Oy vey…