Following the article on Anash.org, the topic of music during sefirah in the age of corona was addressed by Harav Gedalia Oberlader of Monsey and Harav Yosef Braun of Crown Heights.
Following the article on Anash.org, the topic of music during sefirah in the age of corona was addressed by two prominent Chabad Rabbonim.
Harav Gedalia Oberlander, rov of Heichal Menachem of Monsey discussed the halachos of music during sefirah in both a live class, and in a lengthy responsa to his son, Rabbi Dovid Oberlander.
The issue was also discussed by Harav Yosef Braun of the Crown Heights Beis Din on his Ask the Rav website. “The prohibition against music should be observed properly regardless of the general circumstances,” he writes.
In certain situations, however, Harav Braun agrees that one can be lenient. Those would include where one is suffering from anxiety, if the music is for young children, one who is unwell, one who is quarantined, or one who has suicidal tendencies or thoughts.
“In any situation which does not fit into the above criteria, where one feels that music is an important factor in helping their general well-being, one should consult a Rav on an individual case by case basis,” he writes.
Notwithstanding the room to be lenient, Harav Braun notes that two points should be kept in mind. Firstly is the implications a child will draw from seeing his parents being lenient, even if permitted. Secondly, is that the Sefirah prohibitions were instituted due to a pandemic, and with a somewhat similar situation happening currently, it may not be the place to seek extra leniencies .
To read the full question and answer, and to view the sources quoted, see here.
VIDEO: Harav Oberlander on music during sefirah
To download Harav Oberlander’s responsa, click here.
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