Q&A: The Tune of Idol Worship
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
The Tune of Idol Worship
Question
Hello and blessings, Rabbi Michi,
What is the Rabbi's opinion regarding the Lutheran melody that accompanies "Maoz Tzur"? Does the Rabbi see any problem with that?
I would be happy to receive a reasoned answer.
Best regards, have a good week, a good month, and a happy Hanukkah,
Answer
Why should I care about the origin of the melody? Is this the only place where people use melodies of questionable origin?
The melody is not an object of idol worship, and even if it were an object – this is annulled idol worship (its status as idol worship has already been nullified).