Q&A: Playing Musical Instruments During the Counting of the Omer
Playing Musical Instruments During the Counting of the Omer
Question
Hello Rabbi, nowadays is it permitted to play musical instruments during the Counting of the Omer? It gives me peace of mind and relaxes me…
Answer
A prohibition on playing music is not mentioned in the Talmud or among the medieval authorities (Rishonim). The source is the Magen Avraham, who speaks about dancing and round dances. It is not entirely clear what is included in that, but the custom developed not to play music or listen to music. However, regarding discs and radio, several halakhic decisors wrote that it is permitted. But if it involves musical instruments, it is proper to prohibit it. If it is needed for peace of mind and calm, and not for rejoicing, it seems to me that it is permitted.
Discussion on Answer
Customs. As is well known, a custom can override Jewish law in certain circumstances, certainly when it is a stringency. Every custom is a deviation from the strict law.
A simple question:
If only the Talmud has authority, what obligates us regarding the prohibitions observed during the Omer? "Do not forsake the teaching of your mother"? And if so, then the authority of the Talmud in general is really undermined, because if a custom practiced in a certain community exists, it might perhaps override the Talmudic ruling.