Listening to Music: Difference between revisions

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# Listening to music to prevent depression is permissible but this leniency should be used restrictively and preferably only after consulting a local Rabbi. <Ref> Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 6:69 permits listening to music so as to prevent a person from becoming depressed. Sh”t Maharshag 2:155, Sh”t Mishna Halachot 6:106, and Sh”t Az Nidabru 5:58:2 also permit music to prevent depression, however, Sh”t Az Nidabru warns not to use this leniency too loosely because it could lead to uprooting the entire Halacha of listening to music; therefore, a person should ask a local Rabbi about their situation.  </ref>
# Listening to music to prevent depression is permissible but this leniency should be used restrictively and preferably only after consulting a local Rabbi. <Ref> Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 6:69 permits listening to music so as to prevent a person from becoming depressed. Sh”t Maharshag 2:155, Sh”t Mishna Halachot 6:106, and Sh”t Az Nidabru 5:58:2 also permit music to prevent depression, however, Sh”t Az Nidabru warns not to use this leniency too loosely because it could lead to uprooting the entire Halacha of listening to music; therefore, a person should ask a local Rabbi about their situation.  </ref>
# There is what to permit listening to music while driving late at night so as not to fall asleep. <Ref>Kovetz Hilchot Leyemeh Ben Hametsarim (pg 95) writes that one can listen to vocal music while driving to prevent falling asleep and Nechmat Yisrael (pg 34 note 30) says that seemingly even musical instruments should be permitted. </ref>
# There is what to permit listening to music while driving late at night so as not to fall asleep. <Ref>Kovetz Hilchot Leyemeh Ben Hametsarim (pg 95) writes that one can listen to vocal music while driving to prevent falling asleep and Nechmat Yisrael (pg 34 note 30) says that seemingly even musical instruments should be permitted. </ref>
# A person should refrain from waking up everyday to music (even if that’s the alarm). However, if that’s the only that a person wakes up, there is what to be rely on. <Ref> For background on the issue, see above note. Gemara Gittin 7a states that after the Churban Bayit, Mar Ukva forbad singing, playing, or listening to music whether the music comes from people singing or if it comes from musical instruments. Tosfot Gittin 7a limits this to music at a party/feast and music played for kings who go to sleep and wake up to music. Tosfot explains that it’s forbidden because they have an aspect of added pleasure from music. Rama 560:3 brings this Tosfot as Halacha. Even if the music is a recording it still the status of played music (see above from Sh”t Igrot Moshe 1:166, Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 15:33:2). Halichot Shlomo (Tefilah 13:18) in name of Rav Shlomo Zalman and Torat HaYeshiva 1:7 rule that yeshiva students who wake up to music is included in the prohibition of chazal. See Kuntres Halichot VeHanhagot in name of Rav Eliyashiv. Reasons to be lenient: (a) However, Torat HaYeshivot 1:7 says that a person won’t get up with another way, one can be lenient because one’s intention isn’t in order to get pleasure but rather to facilitate waking up. Torat HaYeshivot also quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky in Shilhei DeKaytah who agrees. This leniency is similar to the leniency of classical music (see above). (b) Additionally, Torah HaYeshivot argues that perhaps the prohibition only applies if one goes to sleep and wakes up but waking up alone might not be an issue. [The Pri Megadim says that one should protest against those who eat a meal everyday next to those who play music. Mishna Brurah 560:12 brings this as Halacha. It’s very clear from the language of the Pri Megadim and Mishna Brurah are discussing is that of having music of a feast, but regarding having music regularly isn’t an issue. This is even more explicit in the Shaar HaTzion 560:23 who says that one shouldn’t protest since they have the Hagot Mordechai to rely on who says that a music at a meal only an issue of a meal of only wine or wine before eating, however drink together with a meal isn’t an issue. Accordingly, it seems that the Mishna Brurah holds that listening to music daily at midday isn’t forbidden unless there’s an issue of a feast. Similarly, the Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 6:69 writes that those who listen to music on the radio morning, at a meal, and night are definitely violating an isser, implying that regularly listening music means multiple times a day. However, Sh”t Az Nidabru 8:58:4 writes that to him it seems that listening everyday at lunch is considered listening to music regularly like the listening of the kings, nonetheless, regarding protesting others who should be lenient (like the Mishna Brurah). Sh”t Az Nidabru concludes that this issue of listening regularly depends on the minhag. Accordingly, someone who just wakes up to music has what to rely on in that it’s that it’s not called listening regularly.] </ref>
# A person should refrain from waking up everyday to music (even if that’s the alarm). However, if that’s the only that a person wakes up, there is what to be rely on. <Ref> For background on the issue, see above note. Gemara Gittin 7a states that after the Churban Bayit, Mar Ukva forbad singing, playing, or listening to music whether the music comes from people singing or if it comes from musical instruments. Tosfot Gittin 7a limits this to music at a party/feast and music played for kings who go to sleep and wake up to music. Tosfot explains that it’s forbidden because they have an aspect of added pleasure from music. Rama 560:3 brings this Tosfot as Halacha. Even if the music is a recording it still the status of played music (see above from Sh”t Igrot Moshe 1:166, Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 15:33:2). Halichot Shlomo (Tefilah 13:18) in name of Rav Shlomo Zalman and Torat HaYeshiva 1:7 rule that yeshiva students who wake up to music is included in the prohibition of chazal. See Kuntres Halichot VeHanhagot in name of Rav Eliyashiv. Reasons to be lenient: (a) However, Torat HaYeshivot 1:7 says that a person won’t get up with another way, one can be lenient because one’s intention isn’t in order to get pleasure but rather to facilitate waking up. Torat HaYeshivot also quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky in Shilhei DeKaytah who agrees. This leniency is similar to the leniency of classical music (see above). (b) Additionally, Torah HaYeshivot argues that perhaps the prohibition only applies if one goes to sleep and wakes up but waking up alone might not be an issue. [The Pri Megadim says that one should protest against those who eat a meal everyday next to those who play music. Mishna Brurah 560:12 brings this as Halacha. It’s very clear from the language of the Pri Megadim and Mishna Brurah are discussing is that of having music of a feast, but regarding having music regularly isn’t an issue. This is even more explicit in the Shaar HaTzion 560:23 who says that one shouldn’t protest since they have the Hagot Mordechai to rely on who says that a music at a meal only an issue of a meal of only wine or wine before eating, however drink together with a meal isn’t an issue. Accordingly, it seems that the Mishna Brurah holds that listening to music daily at midday isn’t forbidden unless there’s an issue of a feast. Similarly, the Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 6:69 writes that those who listen to music on the radio morning, at a meal, and night are definitely violating an isser, implying that regularly listening music means multiple times a day. However, Sh”t Az Nidabru 8:58:4 writes that to him it seems that listening everyday at lunch is considered listening to music regularly like the listening of the kings, nonetheless, regarding protesting others who should be lenient (like the Mishna Brurah). Sh”t Az Nidabru concludes that this issue of listening regularly depends on the minhag. Accordingly, someone who just wakes up to music has what to rely on in that it’s that it’s not called listening regularly.] </ref>
# If the singer of a recorded song is a wicked person it is forbidden to listen to his music. <Ref> Sh”t Mishna Halachot 6:108 </ref>
# If the singer of a recorded song is a wicked person it is forbidden to listen to his music. <Ref> Sh”t Mishna Halachot 6:108 </ref>
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* Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz (Rabbi of North Woodmere) http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/735746/Rabbi_Aryeh_Lebowitz/Music_During_Sefira
* Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz (Rabbi of North Woodmere) http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/735746/Rabbi_Aryeh_Lebowitz/Music_During_Sefira
* Rabbi Sobalofsky (Rosh Yeshiva in YU) http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/735987/Rabbi_Zvi_Sobolofsky/_Halachot_of_the__Three_Weeks__(Shaving,_Music,_and_Parties)_-_Part_1
* Rabbi Sobalofsky (Rosh Yeshiva in YU) http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/735987/Rabbi_Zvi_Sobolofsky/_Halachot_of_the__Three_Weeks__(Shaving,_Music,_and_Parties)_-_Part_1
==References==
<references/>

Revision as of 21:30, 26 June 2010

Is there a prohibition on listening to music and if so, how does it apply? The Gemara Gittin 7a states that after the Churban Bayit, Mar Ukva forbad singing, playing, or listening to music whether the music comes from people singing or if it comes from musical instruments. The Mishna in Sotah 48a also says that after the disembodiment of the Sanhedrin, singing songs become forbidden at a feast or party.

  • (a) Rashi (Gittin 7a D”H Zimra) and Tosfot (7a D”H Zimra) understand that the prohibition of Mar Ukva or includes music at feasts or parties just like in the Mishna Sanhedrin. Many RIshonim including the Smag (Tisha BeAv pg 123b), Chiddushei HaRan (Gittin 7a), Tosfot HaRosh (Gittin 7a), Hagat Mordechai (beginning of Gittin), and Meiri (pg 20) agree to Rashi and Tosfot.
  • (b) On the other hand, the Rambam (Taniot 5:14) writes that it’s forbidden to play musical instruments in any case and singing with the mouth is only forbidden at a feast with wine. Tur 560:3 quotes the Sh”t HaRambam 370 who forbids listening to music irrelevant of whether it’s through instruments or people singing and whether it’s at a feast or not.
  • (c) S”A 560:3 rules like the Rambam in Yad Chazah (Taniot 5:14). Rama 560:3 brings the opinion of Tosfot as Halacha that the prohibition of music is limited to a party/feast with wine or someone who regularly listens to music going to sleep and waking up like the practice of kings.
  • (d) The Bach 560:3 holds that all music is forbidden irrelevant if it’s sung by people played on instruments, at a feast or not just like the Sh”t HaRambam and explains that this is also what he meant in Yad Chazah. This stringent opinion is brought as halacha in some achronim including Magan Avraham 560:8, Shlah (Tanit pg 60d), Bear Sheva (Sotah 49a), Mishna Brurah 560:13, and Sh”t Az Nidabru 8:58. Some Achronim side with the Rama and defend the minhag including Sh”t Igrot Moshe 1:166 (but he does add that a Bal Nefesh should preferably be strict for this Bach), Rabbi Moshe Karp (Hilchot UMinhagei Ben HaMesarim pg 24), and Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 15:33 (who says that the minhag shouldn’t be questioned). [The Sh”t Shelat Shlomo 7:59, 7:60 mentions that even though many Achronim are strict like the Bach, the Mishna Brurah doesn’t bring up any stringency against the Rama and so one can rely on the rely on the Rama. However this is difficult to understand because anyone who looks in Mishna Brurah 560:13 (just like Bear Hetiev 560:6) will see clearly that the Mishna Brurah quoting the opinion of the Bach as halacha.]
  • (e) Religious music: Rambam (Taniot 5:14) adds that the minhag is to be lenient in listening to songs that (people sing which) are thanks or praise to Hashem is permissible. This leniency is based on the Rif (Brachot 21b, fifth perek) in name of Rav Hai Goan writes that singing songs of romance about affection or beauty of another person is forbidden, however, songs of thanks and praise to Hashem are permitted even at weddings and parties. This is brought by the Rosh (Brachot 5:1), Ramban (Hilchot Avel Yishana pg 89a), Sefer HaEshkol (1 pg 23), Sefer HaMeorot Brachot 31a, Ravyah Brachot Siman 91, Chiddushei HaRan (Gittin 7a), Ritva (Gittin 7a), Rabbenu Yerucham (pg 186c), Kaftor VePerach (6 pg 110), and Orchot Chaim (Hilchot Tisha BeAv 14).
  • (f) Jewish music: There’s a dispute between the Meiri (Gittin 7a) and Otzer Geonim (Gittin 7a Siman 18) who permit songs of praise even using musical instruments against the Orchot Chaim (Tisha BeAv 14) who limits the leniency of songs of praise to people singing without musical instruments. Most Achronim hold like the Meiri including the Maharikash (560e), Tzafnat Paneach (Devarim pg 156c), Sh”t Shoel VeNishal O”C 6:45, Shemen HaMishcha (Tanit 560), Sh”t Sharei Tzion HaCohen O”C 38, and Chazon Ovadyah (Arba Taniot pg 434).
  • (g) Jewish music: Even songs of Torah and thanks to Hashem must be sung with the proper attitude and seriousness as the Magan Avraham 560:10 writes that Torah mourns itself before Hashem when Jews make a mockery of it by singing it’s verses.
  • (h) Classical music: Halichot Shlomo (pg 412) quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman who permits listening to music that doesn’t lead to (or accompany) dancing (whether it’s sung or played by an instrument) for example, classical music. But it’s proper not to listen during the three weeks as a sign of mourning. Similarly, Rabbi Shlomo Dechovsky (Techumin, Vol 21 pg 67) quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein as permitting listening to classical music as one works because it’s unrelated to dancing (the primary prohibition of simcha is dancing, as in Magan Avraham 551:10). Others including Rabbi Solavatchik (quoted in RJJ journal vol 14 pg 34), Aseh Lecha Rav (3 pg 16), Lastly, Peninei Halacha (pg 145) permits songs that don’t lead or involve simcha and all the more so sad songs. [Sh”t Shelat Shlomo 7:60 says that classical music should depend on the dispute of Rashi and Rambam.]
  • (i) At a wedding: Tosfot (Gittin 7a D”H Zimra) writes that for a Tzorech Mitzvah such as to make the Chatan and Kallah happy, one may lechatchila play songs with musical instruments. This is brought by many rishonim including Meiri, Chiddushei HaRan, Tosfot HaRosh, Smag, Hagot Mordechai, Hagot Maimon (Taniot 5) and ruled into Halacha by Rama 560:3, and even Sephardic achronim including Sh”t Yachave Daat 1:45. Sh”t Igrot Moshe O”C 168 permits all types of festivities of mitzvah and says that perhaps even a tzadeka banquet can be included. So too Sh”t Yachave Daat 1:45 includes Brit Milah, Pidyon HaBen, Siyum, Sueda of Purim, and simcha on Chol HaMoed.
  • (h) Wedding in Yerushalyim: there is an old gezerah that the rabbis in the second half of the nineteenth century established that there be no music from musical instruments played at weddings in Yerushalyim. Rav Elyashiv in Bet Chatanim pg 160 says that the gezerah was restricted to the old city, while the Torat Chesed held it applies even outside the old city. See RJJ journal #14 pg 23, Shalmat Chayyim 1:77, 4:34, 5:40, Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 6:69 and Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 15:33.
  • (k) Tape recorder: According to Sh”t Igrot Moshe 1:166 and Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 15:33:2, listening to music through a radio or tape-recorder is considered by most to be the same as listening to the music live (if it was recorded by a person singing, listening to it is considered like a person singing, and the same for if music of instruments was recorded). However, Sh”t Chelkat Yacov 62:2 (also quoted by Sh”t Yachave Daat 1:45, 6:34) argues that since the music comes from an instrument that didn’t exist in the time of Chazal it should be considered forbidden under the gezera of Chazal. However, the Sh”t Az Nidabru 8:58 argues that recorded music is always considered music from musical instruments even if it was recorded from people singing since now it emanates from an instrument and produces an artificial sound.
  • (l) Sefirah and three weeks: Many Achronim (Sh”t Igrot Moshe 1:166, 5:87. 6:21:4, Sh”t Yacheve Daat 6:34, Sh”t Kapei Aharon Epstein 52, and Torat HaMoadim 5:2) write that even those who are lenient to listen to music the rest of the year should be strict to listen during the Sefirah and three weeks.
  • (m) Understanding behind the dispute: Rabbi Aharon Kahn (RJJ journal #14 (pg 7-48)) suggests that the Rambam understood the prohibition as a way of refraining from joy after the destruction of the temple. This is clear from the language of the Rambam. [This is also reflected in the placement of this Halacha by the Rambam in Hilchot Taniot and Tur and S”A in the Siman of Zecher LeMikdash.] However, Tosfot (see Meiri (Gittin 7a)) understood that the prohibition was enacted because of vulgar songs and ths is was only applicable after the Sanhedrin lost it’s authority because it was then that people lost respect for the rabbis, and began to sing improper songs at weddings.

Halachot

  1. Listening to music to prevent depression is permissible but this leniency should be used restrictively and preferably only after consulting a local Rabbi. [1]
  2. There is what to permit listening to music while driving late at night so as not to fall asleep. [2]
  3. A person should refrain from waking up everyday to music (even if that’s the alarm). However, if that’s the only that a person wakes up, there is what to be rely on. [3]
  4. If the singer of a recorded song is a wicked person it is forbidden to listen to his music. [4]
  5. If a certain singer was religious and then rejected religion, it is forbidden to listen to his music that he produced when he was religious unless the singer’s name is removed from that music and it’s not recognizable that it’s from that singer. [5]


Links

References

  1. Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 6:69 permits listening to music so as to prevent a person from becoming depressed. Sh”t Maharshag 2:155, Sh”t Mishna Halachot 6:106, and Sh”t Az Nidabru 5:58:2 also permit music to prevent depression, however, Sh”t Az Nidabru warns not to use this leniency too loosely because it could lead to uprooting the entire Halacha of listening to music; therefore, a person should ask a local Rabbi about their situation.
  2. Kovetz Hilchot Leyemeh Ben Hametsarim (pg 95) writes that one can listen to vocal music while driving to prevent falling asleep and Nechmat Yisrael (pg 34 note 30) says that seemingly even musical instruments should be permitted.
  3. For background on the issue, see above note. Gemara Gittin 7a states that after the Churban Bayit, Mar Ukva forbad singing, playing, or listening to music whether the music comes from people singing or if it comes from musical instruments. Tosfot Gittin 7a limits this to music at a party/feast and music played for kings who go to sleep and wake up to music. Tosfot explains that it’s forbidden because they have an aspect of added pleasure from music. Rama 560:3 brings this Tosfot as Halacha. Even if the music is a recording it still the status of played music (see above from Sh”t Igrot Moshe 1:166, Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 15:33:2). Halichot Shlomo (Tefilah 13:18) in name of Rav Shlomo Zalman and Torat HaYeshiva 1:7 rule that yeshiva students who wake up to music is included in the prohibition of chazal. See Kuntres Halichot VeHanhagot in name of Rav Eliyashiv. Reasons to be lenient: (a) However, Torat HaYeshivot 1:7 says that a person won’t get up with another way, one can be lenient because one’s intention isn’t in order to get pleasure but rather to facilitate waking up. Torat HaYeshivot also quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky in Shilhei DeKaytah who agrees. This leniency is similar to the leniency of classical music (see above). (b) Additionally, Torah HaYeshivot argues that perhaps the prohibition only applies if one goes to sleep and wakes up but waking up alone might not be an issue. [The Pri Megadim says that one should protest against those who eat a meal everyday next to those who play music. Mishna Brurah 560:12 brings this as Halacha. It’s very clear from the language of the Pri Megadim and Mishna Brurah are discussing is that of having music of a feast, but regarding having music regularly isn’t an issue. This is even more explicit in the Shaar HaTzion 560:23 who says that one shouldn’t protest since they have the Hagot Mordechai to rely on who says that a music at a meal only an issue of a meal of only wine or wine before eating, however drink together with a meal isn’t an issue. Accordingly, it seems that the Mishna Brurah holds that listening to music daily at midday isn’t forbidden unless there’s an issue of a feast. Similarly, the Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 6:69 writes that those who listen to music on the radio morning, at a meal, and night are definitely violating an isser, implying that regularly listening music means multiple times a day. However, Sh”t Az Nidabru 8:58:4 writes that to him it seems that listening everyday at lunch is considered listening to music regularly like the listening of the kings, nonetheless, regarding protesting others who should be lenient (like the Mishna Brurah). Sh”t Az Nidabru concludes that this issue of listening regularly depends on the minhag. Accordingly, someone who just wakes up to music has what to rely on in that it’s that it’s not called listening regularly.]
  4. Sh”t Mishna Halachot 6:108
  5. Sh”t Mishna Halachot 6:108