Music Halacha

Music In Halachic Perspective
Rabbi Aharan Kahn

For a number of reasons, there has been in the halacha a
significant restriction of musical expression. This presentation will
analyze aspects of the prohibitions against musical expression and
enjoyment, including the talmudic sources, the interpretations of
the Rishonim, and the various alternative ways to understand the
Rishonim. This will lead us to an understanding of the various
positions taken by the poskim, positions which are very divergent. I
will attempt to relate our discussions to the varieties of musical
experience that exist in our time.
Sources of the Ban
A) The Mishna in Salah and the Yerushalmi
The Mishna Safah 9:11 states that: "from the time that the
Sanhedrin ceased to function, there ceased to be music [alt.: song]
at beit haMishtaot."
There are four questions which we must ask concerning the
statement in this mishna.
1. When did the Sanhedrin cease to function?
2. Wasn't the ban instituted after, and as a result of. the
Churban [the destruction of the Second Temple]? Yet we read in
the Mishna that the cessation of music occurred when the
Sanhedrin ceased to function!
3. Precisely what is a "beit haMishtaot?" Does the term refer
Rosh Kollel, Gruss Kollel Elyon,
Yeshivat Rabbenu Yitzchok Elchonon
B
THE JOURNAL OF HALACHA
to a place of banquets and parties of any sari, or is it specifically
wedding banquets?
4. Why does the Mishna say that music "ceased", implying
that it was a passive phenomenon? Was this something that just
happened spontaneously as a reaction 10 the loss of the Sanhedrin
[or the Temple], or was it a deliberate rabbinic decree actively
promulgated to ban musical expression?
There is some controversy as to the dale alluded to in the
Mishna. R. Yitzchok Isaac Halevy in his Dorot HaRishonim [I.e.
62ff] says that the Mishna here refers 10 the year 57 when the
Creat Sanhedrin lost its authority as a result of measures taken by
the Roman generaL Cabinius. On the other hand, others say that
this refers to the statement in Sanhedrin 41a that forty years before
the destruction of the Temple, the Sanhedrin was exiled from its
official place. This "exile" reflected a loss of authority and control.
It occurred in the year 30. In any case, it seems that the limits set
for musical expression were in place before the actual destruction of
the Temple in the year 70.
The Rambam, however, in Yad HaChazQkah, Hilchot Ta'anit,
5:14 writes that the ban against various forms of music was due to,
and occurred after, the Churban of the Second Temple.! It is
possible that the Rambam is not referring to the specific event of
the destruction of the Temple itself, but rather to that time frame
generally. After all, the Sanhedrin's loss of authority and power
was an initial sta,e;e in the process of Churban.
On the other hand, it is possible to explain the Rambam and
answer questions four and two at the same time. Perhaps the
depression which set in after the Sanhedrin ceased to function
properly led to a natural abhorrence of all musical expression which
was joyful and buoyant. That is why the passive tense is used in
1. The Charedim. Negative M i t ~ v o l of Rabbinic Origin, ch. 3 and ch 5:5, reiterates
the Rambam's J)QSition that the ban was decreed after the Second Temple was
deslroyed. (Parenlhetically, the Charedim, paraphlasing the Rambam. interprets
the Rambam as does the Ma'asrh Rokeach, to wit: vocal music is also prohibited
even when not with wine and drink. See Ihe discussion of this below.)
MUSIC AND HAlACHA
the Mishna. It happened naturally and spontaneously, not by
rabbinic fiat. Only after the Temple was destroyed and a period of
mourning set in did the rabbis of that day actually decree a ban
against musical expression and enjoyment.
In fact, this approach would explain the expression "beif
HaMishtaof" in the Mishna, which has been interpreted by the
Meiri (to tractate Safah 48a) to refer specifically to wedding feasts.
The Meiri bases his approach upon the Yerushalmi Safah 9:12
[24b]. The Yerushalmi tells us that at first, when the fear of the
Sanhedrin kept the people in line, they would never utter
vulgarities in their songs, but now that the fear of Sanhedrin is no
longer there, the Sanhedrin being powerless, they do utter
vulgarities in their songs. If this is the case, the Mishna is dealing
specifically with wedding celebrations. These celebrations were
always fraught with danger because there was a gathering of men
and women specifically for wine and song, in order to make bride
and groom rejoice. It had always been difficult to control the
singing and the dancing from becoming vulgar and totally
inappropriate to the sanctity of the marriage and the solemnity of
the wedding. Nevertheless, when there was a powerful Sanhedrin,
the Sanhedrin controlled the wedding festivities and made sure that
the singing, though joyous, remained appropriate to the purpose of
the gathering. But when the Sanhedrin lost its authority, the
wedding celebrations became transformed into vulgar and excessive
spectacles. To combat such vulgarities, there was a natural rejection
of wedding singing altogether. This was not a rabbinic decree. It
was, rather, a spontaneous reaction to a problem manifest at
weddings.
B. The Discussion in Satah [48a} and in Gittin [7a]
According to the Yerushalmi and the Meiri, the Mishna does
not refer at all to the ban on music due to mourning for the loss of
the Temple, but rather deals exclusively with the problems of
singing at wedding feasts. The discussion in Sofah which evolves
out of the Mishna deals with music out of a concern for morals and
ethical behavior and a life of sanctity. It does not deal with music in
the context of mourning for the lost Temple.
9
10
On the other hand, according to the Rambam, there was also
an actual ban against various musical expressions which was
adopted on account of the Churbal1 and in its aftermath. This
decree is mentioned only in Tractate Gitti/1 [7a] which tells us that
Mar Uqha was asked whence we know that singing is prohibited.
He answered: because of the verse in Hosea [9:1): "Do not rejoice,
D Israel, as the other nations rejoice." The Rambam's ruling is
based almost completely upon the passage in Gittin, rather than the
one in Sotah.
2
I believe that the Rambam recognized this difference between
the two passages. In a Responsum, he reflects the perspective of the
discussion in Sotah. But in the Yad, Hi1chot TO'QMit, 5:14, he
reflects the perspective of the discussion in Gittin and states
explicitly that the ban was on account of the Churban. This would
help us understand the differences between the Responsum and the
Yad, as we shall explain later.
The Opinion of the Meiri - The Ban is not on Account of
the Churban
Although the distinction we have just made between the two
talmudic texts is logical enough, and may be the position of the
Rambam and others, nevertheless it is definitely not the position
taken by the Meiri. A careful analysis of the Meiri's comments
reveals that the Meiri does not know altogether of a post-Churban
ban enacted against music.
The Meiri seems to be echoing the approach of the Rif
2. My distinction the two Sllgyot n my distinction. in the
between the Responsum the Yad, are blurred by the citations of
the Gaon of Vilna in his glosses on Drach Chayim II 560, q.v. But my
el'Cplanation of the Rambam. as opposed to the Meiri. Such an el'Cplanation would
fit the GRA'5 citations.
That the 51lgya in Gitlirl (7a) refers to the post-Chllroarl ban on musical
el'Cprt'Ssion of various sorts, is corroborated by the Olher posl.CnllrOarl ban
mentioned in the same 51lgya - the ban against the special crowns worn by the
groom at his wedding. The Rambam, too, puis them air together in Hi/ehol
Ta'imit in the contut of the laws of Tish'a B'Av.
MUSIC AND HAU,CHA
11
[Berachot ch. 5, p. 2Ib], who is himself paraphrasing a responsum
of R. Hai Gaon. The Geo";m generally seem to follow this
approach: The ban is not on account of the Churban but out of
fear of vulgar and lewd expression.
The Geo,,;m permitted the singing of religious songs over
wine, and the Rambam accepts this position. However, one gets the
impression from the Rambam both in the Yad as well as in the
Responsum that he is not in full agreement with the Geonim. In the
Yad he writes at the end of Hilchot Ta'anit 5:14: "It has already
become customary for all of Israel to sing songs of thanksgiving to
G-d, and similar songs, over wine." Rambam speaks of custom. He
is not incorporating this into the basic halacha which he presents in
5:14. In his Responsum,J the Rambam gives a similar impression.
He argues there that those who rely on the Geonim to permit all
sorts of songs at parties are grossly mistaken. The Geonim dealt
only with songs of praise to G-d, not secular songs. The manner in
which the Rambam refers to the Geonim leaves some doubt as to
whether he fully underwrites their position.
4
Music after the Churban - the Approach of the Maharal of
Prague
More than many other aspect of life, the absence of musical
expression creates a void which can become oppressive. There is no
3. Blau wition II 224 - Freiman /I 370.
4. The is quoting the Rif (Bw.chot, eh.V) who is Rif first
cites opinion of the Gwnim and that it cu.stom in
all Israel to sinss songs of to Gd at parties "and we haven't sn anyone
objKt" This is not the same as dearly stating this position as absolute halacha.
For Rif. the corroboration of the opinion is the fact that it has
become accepted uninrsally,
I that the hesitation of both the Rif and Rambam is rooted in the
issue of singing over wine. Is it prohibited on lICrount of Ch".!nm, as the
Rambam indeed maintain? If so, perhaps "religious" songs are
included. If the reason for the ban against singing over wine was not the
Churblm but rather the fear that such singing, since it is onr wine. would evolve
into vulgarity ilnd lewdneis, as the Geonim do maintain, then the ban
would not apply to religious songs.
The T... (O.II,h Ch"yyim, 560), to support position of the G,onim
society in which music does not playa significant role, whether in
religious expression or secular. According 10 the Maharal of Prague,
in his work on Churban and Galut entitled Netzach Yisrael, the ban
against music was, indeed, a deliberate attempt to create just such a
void in life. According to the Maharal, the text in Gittin 7a regards
the ban against music as a natural and necessary response to
Churban.
It is the Maharal's thesis, at the outset of chapter 23, that
mourning is a response to loss in a truly existential sense. Churban
cannot be localized. It is impossible and improper for us to view the
Churban as a loss specific to Yerushalayim, or to Eretz Yisrael, or
even to the Jewish nation alone. Churban is a world-wide
phenomenon. It has cosmic ramifications affecting lotally both the
material and spiritual planes of existence. Our people's mourning is
a mourning for this cosmic loss.
The Maharal argues further, that mourning is not only a
reaction to loss, it is also a recognition of loss. Without such
awareness there can be no renewal. Absence allows for ultimate
return; that which is yet incomplete allows for fulfillment. If we
regard our world as complete and our cup as full, we do not allow
for the process of becoming and we shall not strive for
completeness. Joy is an expression of completeness. Music was
banned where it allows for such joy.
This is why there is no difference, according to the Maharal of
and cites their opinion fully. The Mech/lbber (Drach Chayyim 560), however,
mer..ly quotes the Rambam's words in the Yad.
[Parenthetically, there is some discussion as to the OJ'l,nion of the Geonim
about songs ~ t weddings. The 5eMag, Hikhoth Tish'a 8'Ab, dtes the CeoOlim's
opinion as follows: As far as singing is concerned, there is a prohibition in Bei/
HaMish/aot only if the songs are secular. However, if the songs are religious,
that is, if the songs are in praise of G-d, then they are ~ r m i t l e d - even at
parties and over wine. All songs are permitted at weddings, even those that do
not praise G-d. So the Geonim are cited also in Hagahot Milimoniyot to Yild
HaChazllkah, Hikhot Ta'anit, 5:14 (It 4, 5). This is also the opinion of Yam Shel
5hlomo, but lee Yam She! 5hlomo's discussion as to the opinion of the Geonim
themselves. (Yam 5hel Shlomo, Gitti", I, 17.) See also my comments in note II
231
MUSIC AND HALACHA
Prague, whether the music is with drinking or without. Au
contraire, music without drinking should be banned all the more! In
fact, the reason the Mishna in Sotah cited above mentions "beit
HaMishtaot" specifically, is to make sure that we are aware that
this too was included under the ban. We might have thought that
since the ban means to limit our joy; a joy which comes from
deliberate musical expression would be prohibited, but that musical
expression whcih serves only as background filler for drinking and
socializing, was permited. To make sure we understand that the ban
extended to background music as well, the Mishna singled out
music at the banquet hall, "beveit HaMishtaot."
Summary
There are two sugyot (talmudic discussions) about music - one
in Sotah, the other in Gittin. The sugya in Sotah is more elaborate,
but hardly mentions instrumental music, and then only with wine.
The sugya in Gittin mentions both instrumental and vocal music.
The Mishna in Sotah refers to the Sanhedrin. It is possible that
there was a natural avoidance of musical expression after the
authority of the Sanhedrin was weakened, but the actual ban
decreed by the Rabbis was declared after the Second Temple was
destroyed. According to the Rambam, the ban is on account of the
Churban. The Maharal explains that music was banned to limit joy
and create a sense of incompleteness. This sense is the fundamental
response to Churban. Rashi also explains the ban in terms of
Churban. According to the Meiri, on the other hand, the ban was
not on of Churban. The ban sought to prevent frivolity
and lewdness which might attend, in certain instances, when music
is played or songs are
5. It is interesting to note a similar dispute reg,uding the talmudic dictum (in
tractate BtTachel Jla) that one should not be excessiyely joyous in this world.
There is a difference of opinion in the commentaries. Rabbeinu Yonah, to Rif. ad
loc., offers both opinions. 5<lme say that it is on account of our mourning after
the Churblln. But others say - and this is the opinion of R. Yonah himself -
that this prohibition was in effe<l eyen when the Temple was standing. Excessiye
joy makes one forget one's mission and purpose in life, i.e., the performance of
14
Music and Halacha as Expressed in the Three Codes
All the halachic codes place the prohibitions regarding music in
the context of various other prohibitions enacted after, and on
account of, the destruction of the Second Temple.
] - Rambam, Yad HaChazakah
We find in Rambam, Yad, Hilchot Ta'arlit 5:14, as follows:
So too [that is. besides various other decrees] they {the
Rabbis at the time of the destruction of the Second
Temple] decreed that no one play upon musical
instruments; moreover, it is forbidden to rejoice with,
or listen to, all kinds of music and all that produce the
sound of music - and even singing of voice alone,
over wine, is forbidden as it is written: "with song
they shall not drink wine" [Isaiah 24:9].6 It has
already become customary for all of Israel to say
words of praise or songs of thanksgiving to G-d, and
similar songs, over wine.
We will offer various interpretations of these words of the
Rambam later in this study.
2 - Tur, Drach Chayim
Similarly, in the code of Jewish law called the Arba'ah Turim,
by R. Yaakov b. R. Asher, Twr, Drach Chayyim S60 (which is at
the end of the laws of Tish'ah B'Au) we read:
mit!.vot lind the study of Torah. In some future time, when the evil inclination
will be destroyed. there will be opportunity for absolute joy. The Til!. {to OrQch
ChQyyim 560, 1J distinguished between a simchllh she! mit!.wh, in which case
absolute joy would be appropriate if the Temple was standing, and other
stlf1llchot. See also Ktlf HQChllyyim to O,Qch Chllyyim 560, It 39. {For more
sources on this, ~ R. Ovadiah Yosef's responsa Y"bi'll Orne', IV, Etltn HII'Eu.,
I! 9.]
6. Tht Rambam cites the verse from Isaiah 24 "'They shall not drink wine with
song" because it is the verse mentioned explicitly in the Mishn" Sottlh 9:1 t. I
believe tht the R..mbam quoted this verse for another reason as well. This verst'
and its context deal with the Chwrbllrr and its ramifications. Since the Rambam
considers this ban as a posl-Chwrblln reaction. he quotes this verse. It is much
MUSIC AND HALACHA
They [that, is the Rabbis after the destruction of the
Second Temple] forbade all forms of music, both
instrumental and vocal. Now Rashi [in his comments
to Tractate Gittin 7a] explains the prohibition as
referring to the playing at parties ["leshorrer heBeit
haMishtaot," that is, in a place of drinking and
merrymaking; during feasts, festivities and celebra-
tions at which drinking and singing go together].
Tosafot explain that it is prohibited, even without
partying or feasting, for someone who listens with
regularity such as is found in the Yerushalmi
[Megillah 3:2] that the Exilarch arose and went to
sleep to music, that is, they would make music for the
Exilarch as he went to bed and as he arose in the
morning. Yet from the wording of the Rambam, it
would seem that it is forbidden to hear instrumental
music under all circumstances, whereas song [vocal
without instruments] is forbidden only with wine.
However, [this latter point seems to be contradicted
by the Rambam himself for] he himself says in a
responsum that even with respect to vocal music it
makes no difference whether it is with wine or
without [i.e., it is always prohibited). Also there is no
distinction between songs in Hebrew or in Arabic. Of
course, a forfiori, it is forbidden to hear lewd
expressions even when they are not in the context of
poetry or song. When do we say this [that songs are
forbidden], only if they are songs of affection, such as
songs which praise a handsome person for his beauty,
and the like, but songs of praise and thanksgiving [to
G-d] while drinking wine are permilled.
3 - Shu1chan Aruch, Orach Chayyim
The third, and final, code which we cite is the Shulchan Aruch
of R. Yosef Karo, Orach Chayyim 560:3. It states:
more ,bout the Churb"" is Hoshea 9:1. This why
the 5Ugy" in Gitti" 7a queries as to why Mar sent the verse of 9:1
ralher than Ihe verse of 24 :9.
IS
"
50 too they decreed against the playing of musical
instruments and all forms of music and all that
produce sound of music to rejoice with. Moreover, it
is forbidden to listen to them. All this is on account of
the destruction of the Temple.
Here there is a gloss of the Ramo who qualifies the above:
There aTe some opinions that the prohibition against
musical instruments is only for those who listen with
regularity such as the kings who arise and go to bed
with musical instruments, or for musical instruments
at parties and feasts [that is, where there is drinking].
The Shu/chan Aruch continues:
And even songs [vocal music} with wine is forbidden
as it is written "With song they shall not drink wine"
[Isaiah 24:9]. It has already become the custom of all
Israel to utter, over wine, words of praise or songs of
thanksgiving and commemorations of G-d's
kindnesses.
Here there is a second gloss of Ihe Ramo which adds:
And so 100 for the purpose of a mitzvah, such as in
the house of a groom and bride, it is all permissible.
The initial impression that one would have of the opinions of
Rav Karo and the Ramo is that there are two differences of opinion
as to the extent of the prohibitions decreed:
1) The "Mechabber", R. Yosef Karo, forbids all use of musical
instruments (both playing them as well as listening to them) under
all circumstances. R. Moseh Isserles (Ramo), permits playing and
listening to musical instruments as long as it is not done with
regularity, and as long as it is not in the party hall, that is with
wine and drinking. The Mechabber follows the Rambam, and the
Ramo follows the Tosafot. We will see that there are alternative
approaches to both the Rambam and Tosafot which would lead to
different conclusions than those of the Mechabber and the Ramo.
2) It would appear from his silence Ihat the Mechabber forbids
MUSIC AND HALACHA
all use of musical instruments (both playing as well as listening to
them) under all circumstances, even in the context of mitzvah. R.
Moshe Isserles permits playing and listening to musical instruments
even over wille and in the party hall whenever the rejoicing is for
the sake of a mitzvah such as the rejoicing for a groom and bride.
However, after we have analyzed carefully the opinions of the
Rambam, the Tur and the Mechabber, we will see that in the matter
of music at a mitzvah function, such as a wedding, they all agree
with the Ramo.
Three Approaches to the Rambam
1 Knesseth HaGedolah
The words of the Rambam, cited above, have been interpreted
in diametrically opposite ways by the commentaries. Knesseth
HaCedolah
7
offers a possible approach that regards the words "over
wine as a qualifier which should be attached to each of the
segments of the prohibition mentioned in the Rambam. According
to Knesseth HaCedolah, the Rambam has no prohibition against
music, instrumental or vocaL unless it is while drinking.&
2 - Ma'aseh Rokeach
Ma'aseh Rokeach
9
on the other hand, interprets the Rambam
to opposite effect - playing upon musical instruments or listening
to such music is always prohibited. Moreover, singing alone even
without instrumental accompaniment, is always forbidden, as is
listening to such singing. Ma'aseh Rokeach argues that the passage
in the Rambam should be understood as follows: " ... and singing of
voice alone, even if over wine, is forbidden." The meaning of it is
this: Although singing and drinking go together naturally, and are
7. Chayyim Benvenisti, Commentary (pub!. 5418) on the Tur Orl'ch Chl'yyim, H
"o.
8. This approach 1(1 the Rambam is also taken by R. Yisroel Meir Mitrachi in his
responsa Pri HAArelz I, p. 92d.
9. R. Mas'ud Chai Rokeach, Commentary (pub!. 5502) on the Yad HuClla;zalcl'h
(loc_ cit.).
18
typical of parties and feasts, nevertheless this singing still qualifies
as excessive rejoicing and is forbidden after the Temple's
desctruction. According to Ma'aseh Rokeach's view of the
Rambam, if music and singing over wine was prohibited, then, a
fortiori, playing instruments or singing which are not over wine
were prohibited.
As we have seen, precisely this interpretation of the halacha is
offered by the Maharal of Prague in his Netzach Yisrael, ch. 23.
Indeed, the Bach in Tur Orach Chayyim #560. comes to the
same conclusion:
However, [notwithstanding the words of the Ram-
bam in Yad Hachazakah), he [the Rambam) himself
says in a responsum that even with respect to song
[vocal music] it makes no difference whether it is with
wine or without [it is always prohibited].
3 - The Rambam According to the Tur
We have o f f e r ~ , thus far, two opposing interpretations of the
position of the Rambam:
1) Knesseth HaGedolo.h -
a) instrumental music is forbidden only over wine.
b) singing is forbidden only over wine.
2) Ma'QSeh Rokeach -
a) instrumental music is always forbidden.
b) singing is always forbidden.
3) There is a third possibility in the Rambam:
a) instrumental music is always forbidden.
b) singing is forbidden only over wine.
This approach is taken by the Tur, Drach Chayyim (560).
In the approach of both the Knesseth Hagedolah and the
10. It seems that the Orchol ChQyyim (of R. Aharon HaKohen of Lunel. Hilchot
Tish'Q B'Av II 14)" also follows this approach to the Rambam. The O,chor
Chllyyim maintains that the use of musical instruments is inherently prohibited.
Thus one would not be able to sing songs of praise 10 G-d to instrumental
MUSIC AND HALACHA
Ma'aseh Rokeach there is no distinction made between instrumental
and vocal music. Music can be made either way - the voice is also
viewed as an instrument which produces musical sounds. They
argue only whether the decree was aimed against music per se, or
was it aimed against music in the context of merrymaking.
The Tur, however, understood that musical instruments were
treated differently than songs.
Reconciling the Responsum with the Yad, Hilchot Ta'anit
The Tur has pointed to an apparent contradiction in the Ram-
bam's writings. The Rambam's Responsum seems to say thai all
singing is prohibited, even without wine.
... There is no difference between vocal music and
playing instruments or humming tunes. Whatever
brings a person to gaiety of the spirit and its
stimulation is forbidden, as they have said. And they
[the Rabbis] based their words upon the prohibition
of the prophet (Hoshea 9:1) who said: "Do not
rejoice, 0 Israel, in the manner of the joy of the
nations."
The concern about straying from G-d's service because of
music is a post-Churban concern. This is what the Rambam means
when he says the ban is "on account of the Churban." Not that the
ban was introduced as a way of mourning after the Temple which
was destroyed, but rather that the Churban brought on a re-
evaluation of rejoicing and the service of G-d.
accompaniment, even if no wine was being drunk. He is very stringent on this
point citing that the authority for this is from a verse in the prophets [Hoshea
9:1J and "diu,ei kabbaklh keDivrei Torah." He dOE'S permit "music" at
weddings, but it s ~ m s that he means only singing, not instrumental music.
The O,chot Chayyim. ibid., says also that plain singing [without instrumentsl
of songs whose themes are secular (that is, not in praise of Gd) is generally
forbidden (even without wine!). The only exception is the worker who sings
during work to lighten his labors. (Note that the use of "Shire! 'Agauim" in the
Orchot Chayyirn cannot include illicit love songs. They would be forbideen in all
cases on account of their innate vulgarity. What he means is the same as the
Geonim when they reFer to secular songs.)
"
20
We are still left with several questions. If the Rambam feels
that singing without words is prohibited because it is subsumed
under the ban against music, then why does he prohibit songs (with
words) only with wine?
The answer seems to be that the Rambam has a large category
of songs that are permitted. The texts of these songs include moral
lessons, suggestions for religious improvement, paeans of praise to
G-d, and the like. The Rambam in his commentary to Avot states
explicitly that such songs are permitted, even recommended!
However, even this category is permitted only if there is no
drinking. If there is drinking, then the category becomes forbidden
under the rubric of Isaiah 24:9 ethey shall not drink wine with
song"),ll
From this perspective in the Rambam, even songs of praise to
G-d should not be permitted while drinking. But the Rambam adds
in the Yad: "It has already become customary for all of Israel to say
words of praise or songs of thanksgiving to G-d, over wine."
Note that the Rambam does not say explicitly that songs of
praise to G-d are permitted. He says that that is the accepted
custom, It would seem therefore that, in principle, these songs
should also have been prohibited, since they are over wine, But the
practice of KIa/ Yisrae/ expressed itself to the contrary.
There is no contradiction whatever between the Responsum
and the Yad, Songs can be prohibited under the category of the ban
against music only if the texts of those songs are undesirable. But if
the texts are desirable, then the moral lesson and the inspiration
gained by them transforms these songs totally. This is true because
11. I should add thaI this prohibition is really a prohibition against drinking with
song (as opposed to a prohibition against singing while drinking). The verse is
structured to this effect l'"they shan not drink wine with song" is different from
"lhey shall not sing while drinking"]. This prohibition is a separate aspect of the
ban as is made quite evident from the Rambam's responsum where he writl."S lhat
if the ~ r s o n hears a lewd song with inslrumental accompaniment and it is while
drinking, that ~ r s o n violates four prohibitions. 1 - He has heard lewd words; 2
- he has heard instrumental musk; 3 - he has heard singing of the lewd words;
and 4 - he has heard this while drinking. The fact that it is while drinking
makes it a distinct violation on accounl of the drinking itself.
MUSIC AND HALACHA
the ban against music on account of the Churban was really a ban
against improper gaiety and vulgarity. If the music conveys a
positive didactic message through the words in the songs, then the
ban never applied.
11
However, if such songs were sung while
drinking wine, then they ought to have been prohibited not on
account of the singing, but on account of the drinking of the wine.
This seems to be the Rambam's fundamental opinion. But in
practice. he cites custom as sanction for following the opinion of
the Ceonim and permitting songs of praise to C-d, and their like,
over wine.
Weddings - A Stringent Approach to the Rambam
In Yad. Hilchof Ta'anit, 5:14, the Rambam does not mention
wedding celebrations at all. It is quite possible that at wedding
celebrations instrumental music is still prohibited. even though this
will temper the rejoicing of groom and bride. It is also possible that
singing the praises of the bride and groom would not be permitted
over wine, even though there is no instrumental music. The only
thing permissible would be the song of praise to C-d which custom
has made acceptable even over wine.
According to this stringent approach, there could not be any
instrumental music at any simcha shel mitzvah, not even at
weddings.
There is a more lenient interpretation of the Rambam possible,
and this is the approach which the Tur and the Mechabber seem to
12. TnI' Rambam's commentary on AvO! states dearly that certain songs are
permitted. and even recommended. In his comments to Avol 1,16. tne Rambam
goes into a discllrSliS on tne tnree varieties of speech, recommended, permitted
and forbidden. He tnen outlines a fourtn category, "desirable s ~ c h . " This
category includes words in praise of noble traits of character and high morals as
well as words in denigration of ignoble character. as well as "the arousing of the
spirit to this effect (that is. to a deeper appreciation of what is desirable and
good) through orations and 50"gS." ObViously, such songs aTe actually
recommended!
Further in the same commentary 10 Avot, the Rambam writes that what he has
written with respect to speech, dividing it into four categories, applies equally to
songs. Songs can be permitted. even recommended. They can also be forbidden.
THE JOURNAL OF HAlACHA
take with respect to the Rambam's words. Still, it is the
aforementioned, more stringent, approach to the Rambam which led
the rabbis of Jerusalem to dedare a ban on instrumental music at
weddings.
Music at Weddings and the Jerusalem Ban
The rabbis of Jerusalem, in the second half of the nineteenth
century, declared a self-imposed prohibition upon the Jewish
community in Jerusalem (not in the rest of Eretz Yisrael) forbidding
the use of instrumental music at weddings (with the exception of a
solitary drum to keep the beat for the singers). Being that this was
their understanding of the Rambam and being that they were in
Jerusalem, at the very site of the destruction of the Temple, they
decreed that the opinion of the Rambam should be followed there,
although there might be other, more lenient, opinions. For them the
destruction of the Temple was an ever recurring reality.
It is fascinating to note that the Sefardic community in
Jerusalem, although in most matters following the opinion of the
Mechabber, R. Yosef Karo, who regularly follows the Rambam,
never accepted the Ashkenazi rabbis' ban and continued to use
II all depends on the subject mailer. The language of the song is irrelevant. What
matters is tile content of tile song. The Rambam comments that he has seen wise
and pious Jews who will protest loudly if they hear songs in Arabic sung at a
social gathering or at a wedding, even if the subject malter of such sonss is quite
appropriate and proper. Yet these same men will not protest at all, nor find
inappropriate, any song sung in Hebrew, regardless of the subject matter and
even if the words are most inappropriate or even forbidden. The Rambam
considers this distinction between Arabic and Hebrew to be the \lllimate
foolishness, albeit Hebrew is the holy tongue. (See Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim
J,8 who about language and Ihe sanctity of language and the effects of
lewd and licentious lang\lage. He speaks there of o\lr need to cleave to the
spiritual, elc.] Songs which are permissible are permissible in other languages
100, and songs which are forbidden are forbidden even if in Hebrew.
It is quile evidenl from above that the Rambam knew of songs which were
"ot forbidden. Indeed, it would st1!m that there are songs (and conte)(ts for such
songs), which are, in fact, recommended! Since Rambam, in his responsum,
draws e)(plicitly from his commentary to AvoI, it is clear that he wrote the
responsum he was to only (.. rtain types of son8.s.
MUSIC AND HAlACHA
musical instruments at weddings, as before.
u
It seems that some time after the ban went into effect, there
was a great effort to increase the singing at the weddings to make
up for the lack of instrumental music. The women, who were with
the bride in a separate room, apart from the men, sang so loud that
some Rabbanim, recent arrivals to Jerusalem from Europe, objected
on the grounds of "Kal/sha" and apparently sought to have the
ban revoked. Moreover, these European Rabbanim, who were
accustomed to klezmer at weddings, felt that music at a wedding
was absolutely essential in order to rejoice with the bride and
groom. They cited the famous psak of the Maharil (R. Yaakov
Moelin, Ashkenazi authority, late 14t.h century), Hilchor Eruvei
Chatzeiror, quoted in Baer Hetev to Drach Chayyim 338:3,) who
insisted that if in a certain town, in which a wedding was to take
place, they were under a royal edict forbidding musicians to play at
the wedding, then the wedding party must go to another town and
celebrate the wedding there - with music. The Maharil's conclusion
13. A few historical notes are appropriate here. The driving force behind the
ban was the author of /mrei Binah, Rn Meir Auerbach [S575-5638).
known, even when in Jerusalem, as the Kalisher Rn (whence he emigrated to
Eretz Yisrael). He was a pre_eminent authority of halacha and a powerful
inspiring factor in the Old Yishuv. He had come to Jerusalem a _althy man,
and he used his funds "t(i eltpended his energies for the good of the Yishuv. The
"Brisker Rav," Rav Yehoshua leib Diskin, another eminent authority of halacha
and giant of Torah, a luder of the Yishuv who arrived in 5637 a before the
Kalisher Rav die<!, supporte<! the Kalisher Rav's ban.
Apparently, the ban must have of an oral nature to begin with, for a
generation later Rav Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld is queried about the ban and
informs his correspondent, R. Shlomo Sobel, that: "the ban was, AS I have heard,
instituted by the author of the Imrei Sinal!. (Sa/math Chayyim, 1:77; IV:34;
V:40J.
It i. said that the ban was institute<! in reaction to the cholera epidemic which
ravage<! Jerusalem in S625. Rav Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld insists that this ban is
to be treated very seriously, and adds that one who ignores it risks divine
punishment, citing Shabbat 110, q.v. libid.1
According to Rav Elyashiv the ban was meant only for the Old City of
Jerusalem, not the New. (Vide. 8e,h Chathanim, p. 160, n. 12.) On the other
hand, it is reported in tluo name of Rav Shneur Zalman Ashkenazi, the author of
"
THE JOURNAL OF HAlACHA
was used b)' R. David Horowitz in Responsa lmrei David, #162, to
allow for musicians to play at a wedding which took place on the
fast da)' of the tenth of Tevet.
14
Rav Sonnenfeld responds by
insisting upon the ban since the Temple destroyed lies before their
very eyes.
Docs the Jerusalem Ban Apply to Music from Records or
Casscsttes?
Rav Sonnenfeld is asked (Sa/math Chayyim 1:77; IV:34; V:40)
whether the ban applied to musical instruments only or to record
players as well. (The same question applies, of course, to cassette
recorders, etc.) If it does apply to recorded (canned) music, does it
apply only to recorded instrumental music or to recorded vocal
music as well? The query asks, in effect, whether the recorded voice
is 10 be regarded as vocal music, as if the singing was live right
now, or as instrumental music since it is coming out of a machine
rather than from a human.
Rav Sonnenfeld replies very tersely that "certainly, this is also
included." As Rav Waldenberg (in Tzitz Eli'ezer XV, #33, part 3)
the responSil Tcmll Chesed (emigrated towards the end of his life from lublin to
Jerusalem and waS the Rav of the chasidim there; d. 5662), that the ban extended
beyol1d the walls of the Old City. This seems to be corrooorated by an
eyewitness who maintains that the "test case" of the ban occurred in the
Bokharan Quarter, which was outside the walls of the Old City.
A parenthetic remark: A biographical sketch from that era informs us that
after the Jerusalem ban was enacted, the klezmer musicians lost a good many
jobs, as they could no longer play at Ashkenazi weddings.
Among the Sefardim of the Old Yishuv in Jerusalem there was a custom for
musicians to playas the bride was accompanied to the mikvah before her
wedding. The musicians played at the wedding and also all seven days after. The
Mo/soei 51.1l&&QI of this ~ e k of 5heU'Q Brllchol waS an especially festive time.
Y. Stuchevsky, in his book HIIKlezmetim [Jerusalem, 57191, writes that at
Ashkenazi weddings (after the ban) there was a s.omber atmosphere. which was
only partially mitigated by the "hlldc1.llnim"' who tried to cheer the assembled.
There were also two drummers at each wedding, one drummer for the men and
another, a young girl, for the women who feasted in a separate room. away from
the men.
14. See als.o Responsa Yllhi'Q Orner, Yoreh De'Qh No.3!.
MUSIC AND HAlACHA
points out, since the question to Rav Sonnenfeld was really two
questions in one, it is difficult to know whether Rav Sonnenfeld's
responsum was addressed to both questions or only to the first.
That is, we can be certain that recorded instrumental music is
included in the ban, but was recorded singing regarded as singing
and permitted, or as instrumental music and prohibited? Rav
Waldenberg maintains that recorded voice should be regarded as
vocal music rather than as instrumental music, and permitted under
the ban.
Rav Waldenberg maintains, also, that even if Rav Sonnenfeld
is right about the record player, the cassette recorder should be
permilted, regardless of the kind of music it plays (instrumental or
voice), since such a machine did not exist at the time of the ban and
was therefore not included in the ban.
Certainly, it would have been plausible to permit both
machines and to argue that the ban was against live music only.
There is definitely a difference in the altitude that a person has, and
the very nature of his rejoicing, if the music comes canned or from
a live band." The purpose of music at a wedding is not to offer the
music to listeners for their aesthetic appreciation, nor even for their
entertainment. Jts purpose is solely to stimulate and arouse the
enthusiasm of the assembled so that they might rejoice fully. There
is, therefore, a great deal of difference whether there is a live source
playing the music, with whom the assembled can identify and
whom they can join, and canned music which is distant and
inherently less stimulating.
Logically, then, it would be appropriate that the ban was
against live music only. But, if the ban was against the recorded
music of the record player, it should apply also to the cassette
recorder. It is hard to support Rav Waldenberg's distinction
between the record player and the cassette recorder, since they are
both machines and since they both accurately reproduce musical
sound.
15. This should be true even if the band is made up of inferior musicians and the
recording rerJe<:ls great talent and is played on excellent equipment.
"
Z6 THE JOURNAL OF HALACHA
Rav Waldenberg, to support his position that the cassette
recorder does not fall under the ban, since it did nol yet exist at the
time of the ban. cites, by the way of analogy, the opinion of Rav
Yaakov Breisch (in Responsa Chelkat Ya'akou, I, #62. par. 2). Rav
Breisch argues that listening to instrumental music over the radio is
permitted as it does not fall under the post-Churban prohibition
against music. Since the radio did not exist at that time, it cannot be
included in the prohibition. Rav Breisch proceeds 10 distinguish
between the radio, on the one hand, and musical instruments such
as the piano, which did not yet exist at the lime of the Churbar1, on
the other. Since no specific instruments were singled out when the
prohibition was decreed, it is clear that musical instruments were
banned as a category.11 This category would therefore include all
subsequently developed instruments. However, it would not include
the radio whose category as a reproducer of music did not then
exist at all. l'
Rav Waldenberg wishes, by analogy, to apply this principle to
the Jerusalem ban. However, it seems that the analogy is
inappropriate because the category of reproducers did already exist
since the record player existed. Therefore the analogy would require
that the cassette recorder should be included as well. If the ban
would have specifically permitted the record player, for the reasons
given above, then, of course, the cassette player would also be
permitted. However, since we follow the opinion of Rav
Sonnenfeld, who was much closer to the sources of the Jerusalem
ban, and we prohibit the record player, then we would have to
prohibit the cassette recorder as well.
It goes without saying, that the electronic synthesizer should
16. A most ...llel exists in ... responsum by R. ... GIrOn.
is whether or not the prohibition applied only to the four
instruments mentioned in 5:12. R. Gaon that
instruments are prohibited and the four most popular instruments were
mentioned in the verse they aa the best known.
17. This is my inflection of Rav Breisch's explanation. He himself rusoned that the
radio's sound derives from a distance ... nd one cannot see the player. Thus the
radio is unique even if one listens to live, r... ther than recorded, music.
MUSIC AND HALACHA
also be included, regardless of the fact that it too did not exist at the
time of the ban. An instrument is an instrument.
An Alternative, More lenient, Approach 10 the Rambam
We have suggested above that a plausible interpretation of the
Rambam's opinion forbids instrumental music in all situations -
even at weddings - on account of the Churba". This was the
source for the Jeruselem ban. Is this the opinion of the Tur and the
Mechabber who follow the Rambam here (as opposed to the Ramo,
who follows the Tosafists)? It cannot be, for the Tu, and
Mechabber cite the Rabiah's opinion that it is permitted to tell a
non-Jew to repair and to play musical instrument at a Shabbat
wedding, The rur and the Mechabber may not agree with the
Rabiah in every detail, with respect to the laws of Sabbath, but it
remains evident that they accept the fundamental assumption that
instrumental music at weddings is most appropriate. IS
Neither the Tur nor the Mechabber are of the opinion that the
Rambam prohibits instrumental music at weddings. They feel that
the Rambam, in Hilchot Ta'arlit, did not address the issue of
wedding music altogether. When the Rambam, and subsequently
the Tur and the Mechabber, mention that all of Israel are singing,
over wine, songs of praise and thanksgiving to G-d, they are
18. The Tu. himself, in O.lIch Ch"yyim 560, dotS not make any mention of music at
wtddings. [We quotN the Tu., vtrbatim, Ullin.] I btlieve th"t this is because
the Tu. is de"lilli in 560 with sular contexts only. He refers 10 the Tos"fists
and the R"mb"m, but SHS a controversy between them only with rtspecl 10
musical instruments in " ItCMIa, fdting.
What about music in a mitzvah selling? The Tur, who is silent on the mailer
here, in ch. 560, reveals his opinion about instrumental music "t wtddings, that
is, music in " religious context, by quoting the Ra'"biah in ch. JJ8.
This "ssumption is to the opinion of the Tur and the Mecha&&er is funher
corroborated explicitly by the words of the Mechabbe' in his Be;t Yose!
commentary to Tur Orach Chayyim, 560. Here, in T/.lr 560, Beit Yose! quotts
the T/.lrs citation in JJ8 of the R"',,biah. rrhe Bach m"kes the same point.]
When R. Yosef Karo red"ctN the Tur and cruted the Shu/chan Arueh, he
followed the Tu,'s format in ch. 560 and de,,1t only with seculu contexts, relying
on his own citation of the R"'abi,,h in Sh/.llchan A'/.lch Orach Chayyim, 33&:2,
to reveal his opinion about wedding music.
"
28 THE JOURNAL OF HAlACHI
referring even to g e t ~ t o g e t h e r s which cannot be classified as
simchor shel mitzuah. Nowhere, in Hi/chat Tn'anit or in Orach
Chayyim, is there a discussion of singing at weddings.
This approach is corroborated explicitly by the code of R.
Mordechai Yaffe. In his Levush HaChur, 560:5, he ciles the
Rambam practically verbatim and then adds:
So 100 mitzvah music, played to make the groom and
bride rejoice al the chuppah - both instrumental as
well as vocal - is permitted.
Clearly, then, the Levush maintains that even according to the
Ramham wedding music is permitted. This is why the Sefardim of
jerusalem, even though they follow the Rambam and the
Mechabber, did not accept the Jerusalem han. They took this more
lenient approach to the Rambam because it is the approach of the
Tur and the Mechabber. This is also the approach of such recent
authorities as Rav Moshe Feinstein, who follows the Rambam and
Bach, with regard to music, and still allows for musical instruments
at weddings and any other sirncha shel mitzvah.
19
The Ramo's Approach to Tosafot - Limiting the Prohibition
Let us turn now to the views of Rashi and the Tosafists. The
Tur explains their opinion:
Rashi [to Tractate Cittir, 7a] explains the prohibition
as referring to the playing at parties "in the house of
feasting", that is, in a place of drinking and
merrymaking. Tosafot explain that it is prohibited,
even without partying or feasting, for someone who
listens with regularity, such as is found in the
Yerushalmi [Megillah 3:2] that the Exilarch arose and
went to sleep to music, that is, they would make
music for the Exilarch as he went 10 bed and as he
arose in the morning.
zo
19. See 199uot Moshe, I, 1/ 166.
20. Tur Drach Clrayyim 560.
MUSIC AND HALACHA
The Ramo cites this opinion in Shulcha" Aruch, Drach
Chayyim 560:3 as follows:
There are some opinions that the prohibition against
musical instruments is only for those who listen with
regularity such as the kings who arise and go to bed
with musical instruments, or for musical instruments
at parties and feasts [that is, where there is drinking].
What is the Opinion of Rashi?
It seems clear from the above citations from the Tur and Ramo
that the opinion of the Tosafists is that only certai" instances of
instrumental music are prohibited. Thus the Tosafists are in this
matter most definitely in disagreement with the Rambam. Is Rashi
also in disagreement with the Rambam? From the manner in which
Tosafot cite Rashi, it would seem that he is.
That Rashi allows instrumental music when there is no
drinking, contrary to the Rambam, is stated explicitly by the Diurei
Chamudot (a commentary on the Rosh by R. Yom-Tov Lippman
Heller), Berachot, 5:1. Nevertheless, it is the contention of Rav
Moshe Feinstein, ztnl, that Rashi's interpretation of the prohibition
is riot a reflection of the final outcome of the halacha.
u
According
to Rav Feinstein, even the Rambam must explain that "Zimrah" in
Gittirl 7a means. "in the house at teastirlg", just as Rashi explained
it, although the final halacha according to the Rambam prohibits
instrumental music even without feasting. [Rav Feinstein admits
(ibid.) that his contention about the Rambam's interpretation of
Gittill 7a is contrary to the position taken by the Divrei
Chamudot.J22
21. S ~ (ggerot Moshe, I, 166.
22. It is clear From Rashi's own words in several places that the prohibition is not
restricted to "Beir HIlMishlllol." 5 ~ Rashi to Sotah 48a as he explains that R.
Huna banned music from "their homes and the Be;t haMishraot." Rashi included
their IlOmes 1001 See also Rashi to Chag;gah Ish. The sugya there tells us that
Acher strayed from the true path and was not prote<:ted by the Torah which he
had studied so diligently, because Greek song did not cease from his home. Rashi
THE JOURNAL OF HALACH,
The Tosafists' Approach According to the Bach
What is the common denominator of the prohibition according
to the Tosafists? The Bach (ibid,) explains that according to Tosafot
(and Rashi) there is absolutely no distinction between \local or
instrumental music. Whenever either occurs with wine, or
whenever either occurs with regularity it is forbidden, Otherwise
they are permitted.
Is the Rashi-Tosafot Position More Lenient than the
Rambam's?
It is clear from the Ramo's understanding of Tosafot, that the
Tosafists allow for a wider latitude than the Rambarn. Whereas
according to the Rambam all instrumental music is forbidden,
according to the Tosafists instrumental music is forbidden only in
certain situations such as with partying or on a regular basis, etc.
This is grounded in the premise that the Exilarch, whose story is
the prime source for the Tosafists, had musicians at his bedside
who were playing instruments.
Since the Ramo refers exclusively to instrumental music, it
seems that he understands that, according to Tosafol, vocal music is
always permitted, sa\le over wine,
However, it is definitely possible to interpret the statements of
Tosafot as does the Bach (cited above). That is, that according 10
Tosafol (and Rashi), there is absolutely no distinction between
\local or instrumental music, Whenever either occurs with wine, or
there comments that '"he should have desisted from it on account of the
destruction of the Temple. for it is written "They shi" -t drink wine with song'
(Isaiah 24):'
(Maharsha, ad Joc" wonders why "Greek" song ,. . donK! specifically. He
also wonders why this violation of listening to mu" .'er the Churb,m would
impair the protection of Acher's Torah. Maharsha rejects Rashi's approach and
suggests instead that the music ACher was listening to had tellts which were
antithetic to Torah and to Jewish thought. These tellts affectK! Acher because he
was inspi.K! by the music and did not resist the subtle message carried by the
words. Nevertheless, it seems that Rashi has support in his understanding of
cause and effect from the SUllY" of Sot"h 48a: It causes Torah to be forgotten in
Israel, etc.. q.v.)
MUSIC AND HALACHA
whenever either occurs with regularity, it is forbidden. Otherwise
they are permitted, This is the second possible approach to Tosafot.
We have offered the approach of the Ramo to Tosafot and the
alternative approach of the Bach to Tosafot. According to the text
of the Tosafot itself, it would be possible to interpret that
instrumental music is forbidden. It is possible that Tosafot
understood that in the Yerushalmi's tale of the Exilarch there were
vocalists singing without instrumental music. This is, I believe, also
the Yam Shel Shlomo's interpretation of Tosafot! Such an approach
would make the Tosafists (and Rashi, by extension), more extreme
and more stringent than the Rambam,13
From this it is dear that Rashi's opinion is that music is forbidden on account
of the Churb,m. Furthermore, Rashi regards music in one's home in the same
light as music in Beit hllMishtllot, (I believe that this is the intention of Gi!yon
Hashas of R. Abba Eger to Rashi Gittin 7a. He wishes to point out that Rashi in
Gittin does not mean only Beit HaMishtaot.) Moreover, Rashi interprets the song
of the Gafdai (So/ah 48a) as song which is solely for amusement. And such song
is prohibited ever! without wir!e. Thus it is clear that Rashi in Gittil1 7a does not
mean "Beit HaMish/aot" literally.
From all these Rashi te:<lS, it is evident that Rashi conceived of a prohibition
..gainst vocal music, not only at a party, with the drinking of wine, but in other
conte:<ts also. This seems to contradict the understanding of the Ramo .. nd the
Tu, ..s to Rashi's position. Ramo will have 10 e:<pl.. in that vocal music at home
meant, according to Rashi, singing while drinking wine at home. The Gardlli will
have to be e:<plainOO in the same way. They sang for amusement llnd therefore
with wine! The ones who sang 10 keep up the pace of the o:<en, or the like, did
not drink with their singing. This interpretation is difficult.
23. A careful reading of the follOWing section in the Yllm 5htl 5hlomo - that is, Ii
18 - does not allow us to corroborate either position. But there is a tine in this
section of the Yam 5hel 5htomo - Ii 17 - which seems to support the more
stringent underShnding of the Tosafot. When the YQm Shet Shl"mo wishes to
prove that all kinds of singing is permiuOO at the wedding, and not merely songs
of praise to G-d, he ugues that a wedding allows any music which causes
rejoicing for the bride and groom. "After aU," he adds, "instrumental music itself
was permilled only to make the bride and groom rejoice." This WQuld seem to
support the position that unless it is wooding music, QII instances of instrumental
music are forbidden. There is the possibility that the Yllm She! Shlomo is
referring to instrumental music which is played to cause joy, etc., and not to all
kinds of instrumental music, but at best it is a moot point.
31
THE JOURNAL OF HAlACH,
If, indeed, the Yam Shet Shlomo is of the opinion that Tosafot
prohibits all instrumental music, then, obviously, the three
categories of permitted music, which the Yam Shet Shlomo
suggests, refer only to vocal music. Yam Shel Shlomo will not
apply his distinctions to instrumental music. Only insofar as vocal
music is concerned, will the Yarn Shel Shlomo permit it if "it is
occasional. or to listen to a pleasant sound, or to hear something
new." Instrumental music would be forbidden, across the board.
Toward Some Conclusions
According to every opinion there is some prohibition against
music. The most lenient opinion allows singing, and listening to
others singing as long as it is not accompanied by drinking. There
is some difference of opinion aboul the precise definition of
"drinking." Does it mean partying (that is, drinking only) but
drinking during meals is not included, or is drinking in any context
whatsoever included? If it is a se'udat mitzvah, singing is permitted
even while drinking. According to many opinions, even
instrumental music is permissible at a se'udat mitzvah. This is
certainly so at weddings where the music helps create the joy that
surrounds bride and groom. There is a possibility that if the lext of
a song is pedagogic, teaching a religious or moral lesson, or offering
praises to G-d, then the singing of such a song is permitted with
wine.
The widest latitude, as far as instrumental music is concerned,
might be provided by the Yarn Shel Shlorno. His three permissible
categories, in a contemporary frame of reference, might allow
classical or jazz concert-going, as well as listening to instrumental
music. It is more likely, however, that these categories apply to
vocal music only, and that according to the Yam Shel Shlomo, vocal
music is permitted only if "it is occasionaL or to listen to a pleasant
sound, or to hear something new." Instrumental music is forbidden
across the board. The Ramo would then remain as the most lenient
position with regard to instrumental music. Instrumental music
would be permitted as long as it is not pursued excessivley or with
great regularity. Still, the Rambam, Tur, and Mechabber seem to
prohibit instrumental music across the board. Every authority
MUSIC AND HALACHA
forbids music and song which is in a lewd and vulgar context, and
even more so when the context brings men and women together.
As far as the radio is concerned, there is some question as to
whether it was included, so to speak, in the ban to begin with. If it
was, then the question is whether songs over the radio are
subsumed under the rubric of vocal music or instrumental music.
There is also a similar question about recorded music on records
and cassettes.
Let us examine the halacha as it appears in the writings of
poskim of our time.
a) Recent Decisions
Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt"l,u. concludes that a sensitive person
("ba'al nefe5h") should take the Rambam's responsum into account
and avoid all singing. However, he adds, the halacha follows the
Rambam's approach in the Yad, which, according to Rav Feinstein,
dovetails with the opinion of Tosafot. All instrumental music is
forbidden. Singing is permitted unless it is over wine or with great
regularity and frequency.
Rav Ovadiah Yosef
zs
cites as a rule of thumb in halachic
decision, that if there is a contradiction between the psak of the
Rambam in the Yad and his psak in a responsum, we follow the
Yad. He adds, however, that according to the Bach, there is no such
contradiction here, because the Bach will reinterpret the Yad
according to the responsum, 50 that the Rambam is consistently
stringent in the mailer of singing.
Rav Binyomin Silber
26
is asked whether the Mishnah Brurah,
who cites some stringent opinions, is writing the halacha as it must
be practiced, or can we be more lenient?
Rav Silber responds that from the fact that the authorities
seem to complain about current practice, it appears that they
demand a change to the more stringent position. Rav Silber adds
24. [ggerol Mos/le, I, Ora,h CJ.ayyim, #I 166.
25. Ye,haveh Da'ath, t. H45.
26. Responsa A2 Nidberu, VIII. #I 56.
J4 THE JOURNAL OF HALACHA
that singing happy songs to prevent one from becoming
melancholy, singing to banish sadness, etc., should be permitted
even according to the Bach, provided that this does not become an
excuse to do away with the ban against singing altogether.
We have seen that the opinion of several contemporary
authorities is to take the position of the Rambam as interpreted by
the Bach. This would eliminate nearly all instrumental music and a
good deal of singing. But we have seen also that most people's
behavior reflects the opinion of the Ramo.
Rav Eliezer Waldenberg
27
points oul thai the opinion of the
Ramo was accepted, in effect, by Jews everywhere, who listen to
musical instruments and teach their children to play them. He cites
R. Ya'akov Chagiz, Halachof Ketanof, I, #9, who declares, as a
general principle in halacha, that Divine Providence would not
allow Jews everywhere to follow an erroneous individual opinion. If
custom has followed a certain opinion, it is most probably correct.
Rav Waldenberg adds that this is certainly the case he.re, with
respect to music, since the opinion followed is none other than that
of the Ramo, whose rulings are followed by Ashkenazi Jewry
everywhere.
R. Ovadiah Yosef
u
maintains that the opinion of Rashi and
Tosafot and others allows instrumental music as long as it is not in
conjunction with drinking. He follows the Ramo's approach to
Rashi and Tosafot, according to whose opinion it is possible to play
instruments as long as it is not on a regular and frequent basis. R.
Ovadiah Yosef then cites the responsum of R. Aharon Epstein
(Kapei Aharon, #52) who says essentially the same thing and who
adds that there may be a differnce between someone who is playing
or listening to music for its aesthetic, intellectual appeal as opposed
to someone who is playing or listening to derive amusement and
pleasure. Perhaps only the latter is prohibited. I have heard through
an oral communication from a falmid of the Rav, that HaRav
Soloveichik, Shlita, said he agreed with this approach and that Rav
27. Responsa Tritz E / i ' ~ u r , XV. 1# JJ.
23. Loc. cit.
MUSIC AND HALACHA
Dovid Tzvi Hoffman was of the same opinIOn.
Rav Yechiel Ya'akov Weinberg, although he does not
elaborate, discusses the German Jews' habit of offering secular
musical concerts in their synagogues. He maintains that these
concerts are prohibited, in general. But it has become customary for
the Jews of Germany to attend such concerts and it is difficult to
admonish them (and have any positive impact). However, they
certainly ought not to be held in the sacred confines of the
synagogue.
I
'
b) Practicing a Musical Instrument
Rav Waldenberg contends further that the discussion about
playing or listening to music is relevant only if the purpose is
enjoyment. But if someone studies an instrument for the sake of
learning a trade or a skill, so that he might later play at a wedding
or other simcha, then it is definitely permitted according to
everyone. Even a mourner is permitted to practice his professional
musical repertoire and sharpen his skills, because he is preoccupied
with his technical proficiency and does not pay any heed to amuse
himself with his music. Thus, R. Moshe Schick in his responsa
(Maharam Schick, Yoreh De'ah, #368, end) writes that a mourner
for a parent is permilled, during the twelve-month period of
mourning, to study his musical instrument and practice thereon, so
that he may earn a living as a musician. (See also the list of
authorities cited by R. Ovadiah Yosef in his responsa Yechaveh
Da'ath, I, #45, p. 133.) 50 too the Pri Megadim permits a Jewish
musician to play for non-Jews at their party even during the nine
days of Av.
30
Thus the actual study of a musical instrument, or the
29. Responsa, Sridei uh, II, #I 12. This rKponsum with the question of
musical in the UP/ices. See also halachic articlK in
German Orthodox Isrllelit, 11162. #I 2, 3, 4 and, alia, Rav Dovid
Zvi Hoffman, responsa Mtkrmtd LeHo'i1, /I 16.
30. Mishnah Brllrlrh cites Pri Megadim and offers another opinion which
the same but only from of Tammuz until the first of Av.
not during days of Av. See the sources cited in I<llt HIlChllyyim, Orlich
Chllyy;m, 551 par. 39.
JS
J6 THE JOURNAL OF HALACHA
practice of that instrument, poses no problem at all, according to
Rav Waldenberg.
c) For Little Children
Will those who follow the Rambam and the Mechabber to
prohibit instrumental music prohibit it even for little children? The
Shiltei HaGibborim to Rif, Berachot, 5:1, says explicitly that it is
forbidden to play musical instruments even for little children.
However, it is not clear if he means to lull them to sleep, or to make
them happy.
With respect to singing, we know that the notion of ulterior
motive is important. Workers who sing to keep up the rythm of
their work, to maintain an even speed, to guide animals in the field,
etc., are permitted to sing. In the same vein, Maamar Mordechai to
Drach Chaiyyim 560, #2, (also quoted in Mishnah Brurah, Drach
Chayyim, 560, and Kaf HaChayyim, ibid.) allows lulling a child to
sleep with songs as long as the content is not inappropriate to the
proper raising of children. He cites the Shelah and others about the
potential damage to the child if love songs are sung to him.
d) Music During Meals
The Mishnah Brurah
l1
in a comment on the words of the
Ramo, cites the Pri Megadim (ad loe.) who says that it is
appropriate to correct those who have their meals while there is
music in the background. There is, according to some authorities at
least, a difference between live music and recorded or broadcast
music.
l2
There is an implicit assumption in the Mishnah Brurah that
eating one's meal to music is prohibited. The author of the Mishnah
Brurah, in Sha'ar HaTziyun, ibid., qualifies this by adding that this
refers to meals where wine is being drunk. Moreover, he cites the
32. See Dvar 511aulto Sotah, ch. 73, who rejects such distinctions outright. Musk is
musk; recorders and other electronic media are musical instruments t<)(). But Se<:'
R. Ovadiah Yosef in Yechaveh Da'alh, I. 1/ 4.5. fOQtnote on p. 133.
MUSIC AND HALACHA
Ramo's gloss to the Mo,dechai, Gittin, #314,. In that segment.
Tosafot are quoted as saying that since the prohibition is not to
rejoice in the manner of the Gentiles, it is not prohibited to have
meals to music. Only if one is drinking wine while not eating food
is it prohibited to listen to music. In other words, partying, having
cocktails, drinking at a bar, and the like, are included in the ban,
but not eating a meal to music (even if wine is being served at the
meal). Rav Ovadiah YosefJJ explains that the meal prevents the one
who drinks from becoming intoxicated. Therefore the singing is not
in a context which can cause loose abandon and vulgarity.
e) Recorded Music
Rav Waldenherg (loc. cit.) was also asked about recorded
music. He responds essentially as Rav Feinstein does.
J4
Recordings
reflect the category of the original music. Recordings on record or
tape of vocal music are to be regarded as vocal music. Recordings of
instrumental music are to be regarded as instrumental music. Rav
Waldenberg adds that during the days of Se/irah between Pesach
and Shevu'oth as well as during the Three Weeks, all manner of
recordings, instrumental or vocal, should be avoided.
Rav Chayim David HaLevyJ5 declares that he sees absolutely
nothing wrong with listening to recordings of classical or modern
music. Songs which are set to music where the primary purpose is
the musical quality of the songs (the words strung together for their
rythmic, alliterative or sonorous effects) are permitted, but not
songs whose content, in whole or even in part, is improper. This
applies even to songs in a foreign language which is not familiar to
the listener. As long as there is even a remote possibility that
someone listening might understand the words, it is forbidden to
acquire recordings of such songs.
Church music, with or without words, is forbidden. This Rav
HaLevy bases upon the Ramo to Drach Chayyim 53:5 and the
33. Yechoveh Doatr., L If 45.
34. Isse.ot Mosr.e responsa, J. Oracr. Cr.oyim, 1/ 166.
35. 'Aseh LeCho Rav, III. ch. 4 [po 16 ff.].
"
J6
commentaries. ad lOCo He adds that it applies even to music which
was once used by the Church even if it is no longer used. Secular
music written by a wicked person, such as Wagner, is permitted as
long as it does not endorse evil in the language (verbal or
programmatic) of the music itself.
With respect to recordings of a woman's voice singing songs,
elc., Rav HaLevy points out that there are several opinions. Some
authorities regard recordings to be the same as live performance and
forbidden. Other distinguish between recordings which are
permitted and live broadcasts over the radio, which are forbidden.
He finds it difficult to comprehend the logic of this distinction. Still
other authorities permit listening 10 recordings and radio as long as
the listener does not know the woman singer personally. Rav
HaLevy adds that with newspapers, magazines and television
making singers popular, their pictures and identities are known
throughout the land and it is quite possible that under these
conditions most authorities would agree that it is forbidden to hear
the voice of a female performer singing on recordings or over the
radio. Needless to say, television is inherently forbidden according
to this approach, since the viewer watches the performer while he is
listening to her v<,>ice.
J6
Rav HaLevy adds that the previous discussion about
recordings or radio deals only with occasional listening.
Concertgoing must be studied with respect to the post-ChurbQI1 ban
against music and the various positions must be analyzed. He
hesitates to formulate his opinion since it is better to leave Jews
doing what they do in error rather than admonish them to no
avail.
31
f) Over the Radio
Rav Ya'akov Breisch
Ja
remarks, with disapprovaL that most
36. For morf rfffrfnces lind 11 run diSC1.lssion of this question. lift RlIbbi Binyomin
Cherney's arlic1l! in the Journal of HalacM and Contemporary Society, X (F"II.
1985), pp. 5'-'6.
37. For this rl!lIfon. thf Bach writes, we do not admonish woml!n who sing at thl!ir
work. ~ Bach to TUT Orach Chayyim, /I 560.
38. Chelkat Ya'akov I, II 62 pllr. 2.
MUSIC AND HALACHA
Jews are not careful about many of the prohibitions on account of
the Chlolrbatl which are mentioned in Drach Chayyim 560. As far as
music on the radio is concerned, it is possible to rely on the
opinions of Rashi and Tosafot which allow musical instruments, as
long as they are not being heard at a drinking party and as long as
they are not heard with such regularity and frequency as would
lead to excessive enjoyment or amusement. Rav Breisch adds that
even if we were to follow other opinions about musical instruments,
we may still regard the instance of the radio as unique. Since the
radio, and the notion of radio transmission, did not exist at the time
of the post-Churbal1 decree, the radio may be regarded as never
having been subsumed under the ban. Rav Breisch agrees that all
new musical instruments (such as an electric piano, or a synthesizer,
for that matter) would be included under the ban; still, there
remains a difference between new instruments and the radio. There
is a common denominator to all instruments, namely, that the
player plays the instrument in the listener's presence. A radio can
transmit music electronically oyer long distances and the player can
be hundreds of miles away. It is inherently, essentially, and
categorically different.
Rav Breisch adds, however, that the content of songs on the
radio has to be proper. Lewd and vulgar songs, love songs and the
like, are improper and it is forbidden to listen to them (or hear them
as poetry, without the music). Rav Breisch adds that hearing a
female vocalist over the radio is prohibited. This is consistent with
Rav Breisch's position that it is forbidden because of "kol isha" to
listen to the electronic reproduction of a woman's singing.
In Ray Moshe Feinstein's opinion (loc. cit.), the radio is
essentially in the same category as the music that is being played
through it. Therefore, if it is a voice singing, it is regarded as purely
vocal music and is permissible (unless it is at a party with wine, or
listened to with regularity). If, however, instrumental music is heard
on the radio, it is regarded as instrumental and is forbidden.
At first, Ray Silber (Ioc. cit.) makes the same distinction that
Ray Feinstein and Ray Waldenberg make. The radio is to be treated
according to the nature of the source itself. But then Rav Silber
suggests that insofar as the ban is concerned, we might regard vocal
"
.0 THE JOURNAL OF HALACHA
music over the radio as instrumental music. This would apply, by
extension, 10 recordings of the voice, as well. The radio is an
instrument which produces music which sounds like the human
voice. This instrument, called the radio, gives much pleasure and
entertainment. It ought to be included in the ban against
instruments. (Rav Silber is inclined 10 think this way in spite of the
fact that he regards the female voice over the radio as ko/ isha.'9 It
is kaf isha and "instrumental" music at the very same time!) Rav
Silber is generally very negative about listening to the radio and
adds that, besides any other problem, a lot of time is wasted
listening to the radio that CQuid have been spent constructively,
studying the Torah,
g) During Sefirah and the Three Weeks
Rav Feinstein, as we have seen, follows the more stringent opi-
nions about instrumental music. Rav Feinstein adds, at the end of
his responsum,40 that those who take a more lenient view regarding
instrumental music, should refrain from such music during the
Sefirah days of mourning between Pesach and Shevu'oth.
Undoubtedly, he means to include, a fortiori, the Three Weeks
period of mourning between the seventeenth of Tammuz and the
ninth of Av, and says so explicitly in a later responsum.
41
h) Music at Weddings - Some Further Comments
It is appropriate to note, parenthetically, that because the pur-
39. Set' his commentary Bei! Barllch to ChQYlIe AdQm, klal 10, p. 196. Rav Silber
diiKusses the radio here too and is consistenlly stringent. He cites the various
opinions and then says that it is best not to have a radio altogether. It is certainly
wrong to pby the radio when music is on, and whoever turns the radio on is in
the category of "a sinnel who also causes many others to sin." Besides the
inherent prohibition there is also "bitt,,1 TO'Qh:' etc.
40. Loc. cit. This is repeated in Iggerol Moshe, Orlich Chllllyim HI, /I 87. There he
writes that one can teach someone to play an instrument even during the SefirQh
period if it is one's livelihood, but not for pleasure.
41. Iggerol Moshe, Orlich Chllyyim IV, /I 21, g.v. This point is made by several
decisors. See. e.g., Rav Aharan Epstein in responsa KQpei Aharo.., /I 52. Set' also
the list in Rav Ovadiah Yosef's responsa Yechllllth DQ'Qlh, VI, /I 34.
MUSIC AND HALACHA
pose of the live band at weddings is to make the wedding lively and
stimulate dancing and rejoicing, the band has great responsibility.
The musicians can guide the wedding celebrants in several, and
very different, directions. They can promote a joy which G-d
Himself approves, or they can be excessive and vulgar, thus
abusing the verses of the Torah which they sing.
u
Considerations about the possible impropriety of wedding
dances with muskal accompaniment led some authorities to limit
music at weddings.
u
But most authorities tend to emphasize the
importance of music at weddings, as is evident from the episode,
cited earlier, at the time of the Maharil.
That music is essential to the wedding celebration is made
evident in the famous opinion of the Ra'abiah
u
: It is permittted for
a Jew to tell a non-Jew to play upon muskal instruments, on
Shabbat, at a wedding celebration, for there is no joy to the groom
or bride without musk. This opinion is cited by the Mechabber
H
adding that it is even permiued to tell the non-Jew to repair his
instrument so that he might play at the wedding. According to
many authorities this leniency applies only to weddings and not to
other simchot sheI mitzvah. Musk at weddings is essential, at
simchot shel mitzvah it is merely appropriate.
i) Music - At Weddings Only, or at any Simcha Shel
Mitzvah?
The Kaf HaChayyim
46
rules that instrumental musk is permit-
ted for a wedding only, because of the special nature of rejoicing at
42. See, inter alia, Sde; Cherned, (VI!. p. 27 ff.), Ma'areehet Chathan V'Kallslh, par.
12; lI,ueh HaShulchan, flltn Ha'ezer, 65:3; Mishmlh Brurah and especially Biu,
Halslehah, Drach Chayyirn, 338:3. See also Yam Shet Shlorllo, Gilti.., I. 17 and
especialty 18.
43. See Li"u!ei MaHaRi"h, v. 3, p. 130, who writes that he heard that the Mahaum
S<::hick advised all who would listen to have their weddings without music. He
fe;ved the consequences of the dancing to music with men and women together.
44. Cited by Mo,dechai, Be/zah II 696. in the name of Rav Avi 'Eni, who is Ra'abiah
.. R. 'Eliezer ben R. Yoel Halevi, the great Ashkenazi Tosafist of the late 12th
century.
45. O,ach Chllyyim 338:2. q.v.
46. O,ach Chllyyim, 560, II 34.
a wedding. But this would not apply to a brit milah or at a pidyon
haSen and the like. He concludes, however, that the custom is to be
lenient in this and provide music for all simchot shel mitzvah.
R. Chayyim Yosef David Azulai
47
allows for musicians to be
brought to a brit milah even though the infant's mother is within
the thirty-day mourning period for her father.
Rav Feinstein
48
agrees that music is permissible at all simchot
shel mitzvah.
It is permissible to play musical instruments to rejoice on Chol
HaMo'ed and it has become customary to do so even in Jerusalem.
It is also permitted to play musical instruments to enhance the
celebration of Purim.
49
Kabbalat Shabbat
R. Avraham Emden mentions in his work Tzro, HaChayyim
[4d] that there was a custom in Prague to play upon musical
instruments to announce the oncoming Shabbat or Yom Tov. This
was done in order to create a joyous atmosphere so that the people
would receive these holy days with joy and enthusiasm. In the
Great Synagogue of Prague they would recite Mizmo, Shi, i'Yom
HaShabbat twice. The first was to the accompaniment of music and
the second, which signaled the actual kabbalat Shabbat, without
any accompaniment.
Bar-Mitzvah and Bat-Mitzvah
It is customary to have musicians at a Bar-Mitzvah celebration,
which is, of course, regarded as a se'udat mitzvah. This is certainly
true of the se'udah held on the very same day that the boy becomes
bar-mitzvah..5Cl
47. Chllyyim Shllll/, 1:21.
48. IggeTol Moshe, J. O'lich ChDyyim, /I 166.
49. Rav Yechllueh DII'lIlh, J. /I 45, p. 132.
SO. Sore Yllm Shel Shlomo 10 Baba KIII1Ul, VII, /I 37 based on the story
R. Yosef in Kiddushi", J1a. Sre Mllgt" Avrllhllm to Orlich Chllyyim
225:4. Mllgt" Avrllhllm if Ihe boy delivers Torah d'"Shllh,
then It'udllll 0" IIrly he bKomes is to be regarded a
MUSIC AND HALACHA
What about music at a bat-mitzvah celebration? We must first
determine the nature, in halachic terms, of such a celebration. Rav
Moshe Feinstein maintains that a girl's celebration is different than
a boy's, and thus cannot be regarded as more than a birthday
party.51 According to his opinion, a band of musicians would be out
of place at a bat-mitzvah, Rav Feinstein (in fggerot Moshe, Drach
Chayyim L #166) is also hard pressed to allow music at a Yeshiva
fund-raising dinner. He argues, at first, that the banquet and the
simcha are nol, in and of themselves, a mitzvah. They are, rather,
jusl a means of gathering people together and getting people to give
money for charitable purposes. But then he reasons Ihat since the
dinners and banquets usually honor those who give charity and
support institutions, they might be considered mitzvah occasions.
He concludes that, if possible, those who arrange these banquets
should forego music; but if it is nol possible, it is permissible.
It is therefore quile clear from Rav Feinstein's opinion
regarding the fund-raiser, that he would nol permit a band to play
music at a bat-mitzvah party. However, there are authorities who
differ with Rav Feinstein regarding the nature of a bat-mitzvah
celebration. According to those who do regard the bat-mitzvah
celebration as a se'udah shel mitzvah, music should be appropriate
(as long as the form and the content of the music is suitable).
j) Records and Tapes of "Jewish" Music
As far as listening to tapes of songs about Judaism or songs in
praise of G-d, which have instrumental accompaniment, R.
Ovadiah Yosef remarks
53
that there are several indications to be
lenient. First, "most poskim maintain Ihat musical instruments are
forbidden only with wine" and perhaps the halacha is with them
(although this is not the Rambam's opinion). Second, perhaps the
se'.,da' mit:U.><ln. The cell'br;ttion of .. b"r-mitzvah is likl'no.'d to the celebution of
.. wedding.
5!. Responsa Iggerot Mosne, O,acn Choyyim I, 1/ 104.
52. See the thorough discussion in Rav Ovadiah Yosef's fesponsa Yecll<lVeh D<l'"th,
It II 29.
53. Yecnaveh D"'",I,, I, 1/ 45. footnote on bottom of page 1J3.
opinion of the Rambam is indeed as interpreted by the Knessefh
HaCedolah, and others, so that instrumental music is prohibited
only with wine. Third, perhaps the ban never applied to the radio
or to recordings, as Rav Ya'akov Breisch suggested.
R. Ovadiah Yosef adds that, according to nearly every opinion,
singing songs of praise to G-d, without instrumental
accompaniment, is permitted even over wine. (But see also Magetl
Avraham, Drach Chayyim, 560 par. 10).
In this paper, we have discussed the underlying principles of
the prohibition of listening to music and suggested that there is a
difference of opinion among the rabbinic authorities as to the
nature and extent of the ban. We have tried to further an awareness
of this issue in customs and practice of everyday life.
Appendix
[There have been several translations of this responsum which
has been published many times. There is, of course, also the
synopsis of the responsum in the words of the fur, Orach
Chayyim, 560, which I have cited. I use the Arabic text as presented
in Blau, Tshuvoth HaRambam, Responsum #224. His own Hebrew
translation is generally good. In the first footnote to the responsum,
Blau gives a list of the editions of the responsum and the various
translations, q.v.]
The following is my translation of the original Judea-Arabic
version of the responsum;
It is known that music and tunes in and of themselves
were forbidden, even if words are not uttered with
them at all. For they [the Rabbis] say [in tractate
Sotah 48a] "The ear that hears music should be torn
out" [or, "will be torn out"]. It has already been
explained in the Talmud [tractate Gitfin 7a] that there
is no difference whether it is hearing vocal music [that
is, songs with words] or playing upon strings ii.e.,
any instrumental music] or humming tunes [i.e., vocal
MUSIC AND HALACHA
but without words]. Whatever brings a person to
gaiety of the spirit [or rejoicing of the spirit) and its
stimulation is forbidden, as they have said. And they
[the Rabbis] based their words upon the prohibition
of the prophet (Hoshea 9:1) who said: "Do not be
gay, 0 Israel, in the manner of the joy of the
nations. "
The reason for this is very clear. For the power of this
desire must be overcome and contained and reined in.
And not [the reverse], that he should engage it and
quicken the dead [that is, arouse the dormant instinct
in him].
We cannot consider the exception to the rule, the rare
individual, who [when listening to music] is brought
to a more profound spirit and a quickened perception
and an obedience in divine matters; for the Torah's
laws were wrillen for the majority and for the usual
circumstance, and the Rabbis relate to the likely
situation.
The prophets already explained this 10 us and declared
their objection to those people who used musical
instruments for their listening pleasure. Thus they
said (Amos 6:5): "Those who play upon the 'neve/' as
did David, so did they regard musical instruments.
[5ee the various Commentaries, ibid., and see also
Midrash VaYikra Rabbah 5:3, which plays upon the
word "neveI", a musical instrument, as if it derives
from the root "naval" which means vulgarity or
lewdness. See the commentary of MaHarZu, ad loc.]
We have already explained in our commentary to
Avot (1:16) that there is no difference between
expressions in Hebrew or in Arabic. For speech is not
forbidden or permissible save according to the subject-
matter of such speech. And in truth it is forbidden to
listen to foolishness [inappropriate speech] even if it is
not in the form of songs [thai is, even if il is regular
speech]. And if lewd songs are accompanied by
musical instruments there would be three violations:
1) the prohibition to listen to foolishness and lewd or
obscene language; 2) the prohibition against listening
to songs, that is vocal music; 3) the prohibition to
listen to musical instruments. If this occurs in a place
..
where there is drinking [wine] then there is a fourth
violation as He, may He be raised on high, has said
(Isaiah 5:12): "and their parties are with the kinner
and the neuel and the tof and the chaliI (four musical
instruments] and with wine." And if the singer
happens to be a woman then there is a fifth violation
as they said [tractate Berachot 24a] "the voice of a
woman is 'ervah' (and can arouse man)" and most
certainly when she is singing.
The truth has already been made patently clear; that
is, that our purpose is to be a holy nation and have no
action or expression unless it is of perfection (i.e.,
moral excellence] or which leads to such perfection.
We must not arouse those forces [within us) which
prevent us from all good, nor can we abandon
ourselves in debauchery and amusement. We have
already explained this matter sufficiently in the Moreh
[NevuchirnJ in the last section (ch. 8), with words that
are evident to those with lofty character.
The Geonirn [when they permitted songs] had in mind
songs of praise [to G-d] as the Baal Halachot [the Rif]
has mentioned. But Heaven forbid to include secular
songs. This cannot be heard in Israel, neither from a
Gaon nor from a lesser man.
[The Rambam now addresses those Syrian Jews who
sent him this question] I am amazed that you state
[when you pose your question] that the Singing is "in
the company of righteous individuals." To me,
righteous individuals are not found in places where
intoxicating beverages are drunk. Concerning this too
we already explained sufficiently in the Moreh
[Nevuchim, ibid.]. Certainly if in addition to this
(drinking of wine) they listen there to musical
instruments [no righteous Jews will be found there].
Shalom. This Moshe has written.
Dental Emergencies on the Sabbath
Rabbi Moses David Tendler and
Dr. Fred Rosner

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Music In Halachic Perspective

Rabbi Aharan Kahn

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