Harav Sternbuch: Music During Exercising Permissible During Sefirah; Acapella Forbidden

treadmill music[The following is republished from last year] 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 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. Via 5 Towns.

This content, and any other content on TLS, may not be republished or reproduced without prior permission from TLS. Copying or reproducing our content is both against the law and against Halacha. To inquire about using our content, including videos or photos, email us at [email protected].

Stay up to date with our news alerts by following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

**Click here to join over 20,000 receiving our Whatsapp Status updates!**

**Click here to join the official TLS WhatsApp Community!**

Got a news tip? Email us at [email protected], Text 415-857-2667, or WhatsApp 609-661-8668.

6 COMMENTS

  1. Unbelievable how a gadol hador says such things and people do the exact opposite. Not by themselves in there car but they put out CDs to sell for public!!!!!! Y after a gadol is niftar we say “thus is wat he did”LETS LISTEN NOW!!!!! To wat he says not later….may we be zoche that this is our last sfira without the bais hamikdash….AMEN

  2. To TLS and #1
    There are thousands of Poskim out there with many different view points. I find it curious that you guys focus on one of them and condemn the rest of the Jewish people after bringing only one view point to the table.

  3. To JJ: Just because a gadol hador said it doesn’t mean every posek agrees. I would assume everyone listening has a rov that paskens it’s ok. What’s the problem here?

Comments are closed.