Listening to Tapes of Jewish Music

Today the custom is to be lenient and listen to music for the following reasons: 1. Musical instruments are only forbidden if accompanied by wine. 2. One who is down and out may use the music to lift his spirits. 3. Perhaps the issur never applied to recorded music. 4. Many say the issur only applies to listening on a constant basis.  

Driving a Car

One who is driving a car may listen to music (even for long periods of time) if one is doing so to stay awake while driving.  
 

Weddings and Seudas Mitzvah

It is permitted to have instrumental music by weddings. This is true even if wine is served. The reason is because one has an obligation to make a chosson and kallah happy. Horav Moshe Feinstein zt”l and many others maintain that instrumental music is permitted by any seudas mitzvah and not only at weddings. Horav Moshe Feinstein zt”l was unsure if music is allowed by a fundraising dinner (even if wine will not be served).  

Compiled by Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits who can be reached at[email protected]

Reviewed by Rabbi Ben-zion Schiffenbauer Shlita

All Piskei Harav Yisrael Belsky Shlita are Reviewed by Harav Yisrael Belsky Shlita