There are a number of questions that people ask regarding listening to music during the Sefira period. As we know, during much of the Sefira period – the custom is not to listen to music – even recorded music, on account of the fact that it is a period of public mourning. Although the Shulchan Aruch only discusses the issues of haircuts and weddings, Rav Moshe Feinstein zatzal stated in clear terms that music should not be listened to during this time. The questions are quite varied: “May I listen Acapella music?”
“I need music to exercise effectively – may I do so?”
This author posed these questions to HaGaon HaRav Moshe Sternbuch who responded on Wednesday that, indeed, one may listen to music when one exercises if the purpose that one is listening to it is to exercise and not for general enjoyment purposes. This leniency applies not just to Acappella music but to regular recorded music with instruments.
However, in regard to Acapella music – not during exercise, Rav Shternbuch stated that listening to it is forbidden. This is the same position that Rav Elyashiv issued a number of years ago. The rationale seems to be that the tape recorder itself can be considered a musical instrument. Even though the music does not contain sounds that emanate from a musical instrument – the tape recorder itself is the instrument and is in reality no different than a guitar, piano, or a synthetic keyboard.
Rav Shternbuch is the Vice President of the Eida Chareidis in Jerusalem. He is also the author of the acclaimed series “Moadim VeZmanim” on Jewish holidays, the responsa series entitled “Teshuvos VeHanhagos”, and the commentary entitled “Tuv Taam VaDaas” on Chumash. He is a student of the Chazon Ish. Rav Shternbuch lives in Har Nof. 5 Towns.
whats kol beramas heter?
Does anybody know if it is permissible to use the dance machine during sefira?
the dance machine is assur all yeear round
al tifnu el halilim
to #2
I would assume not because the whole issur of not listening to music stems from the issur of “rekudim”- dancing
Isn’t there a question as to what constitutes prohibited acapella? I had once heard that the more advanced acapella which attemts to mimic musical instruments are assur but the lesser once may not be. Any truth tot that? I would assume that plain singing, even in tandem is ok? No? If so where does one draw the line? How about beat boxing?
i accept this psak full heartedly. if tape recorder is a klei zemer can i listen to shiurim?
for me, the big story is that people actually exercise. Really nice to see people take health seriously and don’t write it off as “modern” or ‘inappropriate”
In this regard, as in every Torah, Haskafik, and Halachik issue, one should consult his Moreai Hor’ah.
Qustions I see just off the bat:
1) Music during Sefira. (Aside for all year round.)
2) What constitutes music.
3) Recorded music.
4) Exercise. (When. How Much. WHERE.)
5) Can I listen to recorded Shiurim!!
6) The reasons behind not listening to music.
7) Dancing.
8) Kol Bramam (Listening to radios)
9) Can I expect Torah clarity from a news blog.
10) Is a “Poisik” a “Poisik” on a news blog.
kol berama does need a heter. just because rav shterbuch is machmir does not mean that anyone who disagrees is a maykil. do u use shabbos clocks on shabos? chances are you do . even though reb moshe zatzal assered it. does that maye u a maykil? there are countless rabbonim who disagree both with rav shternbuch as well as reb moshe tzl.
Dr. Mr. anonymous 6:05 –
You are making a grave error. There is no reputable Poseik who allows Acapella during Sefirah.
Last year I did extensive research.
what is a reputable posek? speak to your rabbi and follow him. don;t be considered about his reputation. its not what makes you a posek anyway.
If a radio or CD player is an instrument in that it reproduces music-like sounds, is it ossur to listen to *live* a cappella sung into a microphone and heard through loudspeakers?
I called the Bais Hora’ah, and they told me I can use the dance machine if I’m doing it for exercise- not if I’m doing it for fun.