Q&A: Music During the Three Weeks
Music During the Three Weeks
Question
Hello, honored Rabbi!
I’m a chronic music listener, and I wanted to know whether there is room to be lenient and listen privately, not for the sake of dancing and revelry, and whether there is a difference between the Three Weeks and the Nine Days.
Answer
The prohibition originally applies only to joyful music associated with dancing and revelry. Calm music is permitted. There is room to be stricter during the Nine Days.
Discussion on Answer
At this point we are already in the Nine Days. During the Three Weeks, there are halakhic decisors who wrote that the rule applies that it is forbidden to listen to instrumental music all year round as well (though that has not been the accepted practice). If so, then it is law and not merely custom. But even if it is a custom, it still has force, and it is not right to violate it. In my opinion, tell them to postpone it, and if they do not postpone it, do not participate and explain the reason.
Is this a custom or a rabbinic prohibition?
I’m asking because it’s my grandmother’s birthday and they’re bringing a singer who will sing and play, and my family isn’t observant. What should I do?