Is Music Allowed During Sefirah This Year?

The rabbinic body of the Karlin-Stolin Chassidus in Eretz Yisroel released a psak din allowing recorded music during Sefirah this year to due to the coronavirus.

By Anash.org reporter

No acapella this year?

The 7 weeks of Sefiras Ha’omer are a time of mourning, with no marriages, haircuts or music allowed. But with coronavirus changing the world as we know it, some are questioning if Sefirah will change as well.

In a letter released by the rabbinic body of the Karlin-Stolin Chassidus in Eretz Yisroel, they wrote that the prohibition of listening to music can be lightened this year.

“Since many have been quarantined for a long while, and naturally, it affects the mood,” the psak said, “therefore this year, if necessary one can be lenient and listen to recorded music, to uplift the spirit.”

The letter, dated Erev Rosh Chodesh Iyar, was written in response to many questions the Beis Din received about the matter. In a far-reaching leniency, they write that when absolutely needed, one can even listen to live music.

The prohibition against listening to music is not spelled out in Shulchan Aruch, and is brought by later Poskim. The exact parameters of the prohibition is subject to much debate. Some prohibit any sort of music, fast or slow, recorded or live. Other permit slow music, and others say the prohibition only applies to live music.

With regards to the practical Halacha, a Lubavitcher chossid should ask a Chabad Rov.

Discussion
In keeping in line with the Rabbonim's policies for websites, we do not allow comments. However, our Rabbonim have approved of including input on articles of substance (Torah, history, memories etc.)

We appreciate your feedback. If you have any additional information to contribute to this article, it will be added below.

  1. I’m surprised this was published on a Lubavitch website. Does it matter to us what other Chassidim are doing?
    Rabbi Braun of the CH Beis Din says things along the same lines, in his Halacha-to-go emails, but with qualifications, and additional, crucial points:

    The importance of music in terms of elevating the spirit cannot be underestimated. At the same time the prohibition against music during the time of sefira should not be taken lightly either.

    Thus, the prohibition against music should be observed properly regardless of the general circumstances. However, in the in the following situations one may be lenient in playing or listening to music during this time:
    * Where one is suffering from anxiety
    * The music is played for young children
    * One who is unwell and the music can calm him or her and motivate their general well-being
    * One who is quarantined (this doesn’t include the general lockdown that certain states have imposed upon their residents).

    There’s even more room to be lenient in all of the above-mentioned cases prior to Rosh Chodesh Iyar.

    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.

    One more point: While it’s important to take into account the positive effect playing music has during this time, we must also be cognizant of the negative repercussions this may have in terms of the Chinuch of the family when they discover that some rules is fall by the wayside due to the current outbreak. They need to understand that Halacha is a strong as always and any leniency is only based on very specific circumstances and as per the guidance of a Rav.

    It must also be noted that the original prohibition against celebrations, haircuts and music etc. during the days of the Omer was originally instituted due to a plague at the time. The Poskim mention many other similar tragedies that happened during these days. Indeed, many seforim explain that the days of Omer possess the aspect of din, severity, and the Rebbe adds that this could have been one of the triggering factors to that which occurred.
    When we’re experiencing unfortunately similar occurrences in our times during the same time, we ought to be extra careful in this matter and not attempt to seek leniencies, other than that which was described above.

  2. Is it permitted to listen to music during sefira while isolating at home to help uplift the spirits of my family and children who’ve been home for over a month due to the CoronaVirus?
    The importance of music in terms of elevating the spirit cannot be underestimated. At the same time the prohibition against music during the time of sefira should not be taken lightly either.

    Thus, the prohibition against music should be observed properly regardless of the general circumstances. However, in the in the following situations one may be lenient in playing or listening to music during this time:

    Where one is suffering from anxiety
    The music is played for young children
    One who is unwell and the music can calm him or her and motivate their general well-being
    One who is quarantined (this doesn’t include the general lockdown that certain states have imposed upon their residents).
    There’s even more room to be lenient in all of the above-mentioned cases prior to Rosh Chodesh Iyar.

    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.

    One more point: While it’s important to take into account the positive effect playing music has during this time, we must also be cognizant of the negative repercussions this may have in terms of the Chunuch of the family when they discover that some rules is fall by the wayside due to the current outbreak. They need to understand that Halacha is a strong as always and any leniency is only based on very specific circumstances and as per the guidance of a Rav.

    It must also be noted that the original prohibition against celebrations, haircuts and music etc. during the days of the Omer was originally instituted due to a plague at the time. The Poskim mention many other similar tragedies that happened during these days. Indeed, many seforim explain that the days of Omer possess the aspect of din, severity, and the Rebbe adds that this could have been one of the triggering factors to that which occurred. When we’re experiencing unfortunately similar occurrences in our times during the same time, we ought to be extra careful in this matter and not attempt to seek leniencies, other than that which was described above.

    Please note that these halachos apply in general situations. In unique circumstances, a different halacha may apply. If you are unsure whether the halacha applies to your particular situation, please consult a Rov. For more Halachos log onto http://www.halacha2go.com
    Supplementary material courtesy of http://www.AskTheRav.com under the auspices of Rabbi Braun, shlita

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

advertise package