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Playing and listening to music:[1]

With instruments: In commemoration for the destruction, the Sages prohibited one to play a musical instrument or listen to music [whether live or recorded[2]] for the purpose of joy.[3] Some Poskim[4] however rule that this only applies to a person who commonly hears music, such as the kings who arise and sleep with the tones of music, or by a festive meal [where wine is served]. [In a case that wine is being served, music is forbidden for all people, even one who is not accustomed to listen to it.[5] If, however, wine is not being served and one does not commonly hear music, it is permitted. Other Poskim[6] however rule that mundane songs are forbidden on all occasions, even when wine is not served and one is not accustomed to listen to music. Practically, many of today’s Poskim[7] rule stringently, that it is forbidden to play or listen to music when it is not a Mitzvah occasion. However, the widespread custom is to be lenient in this matter and allow listening to music even not by a Mitzvah occasion.[8] Various justifications have been offered for this custom.[9] Some, however, due to this prohibition avoid going to concerts or even listening to music on tape.[10]]

Singing without instruments:[11] It is forbidden to sing mundane songs, even without instruments, during an occasion in which wine is served.[12] However, the widespread custom of all Jewry is to permit singing songs of praise to Hashem, even by occasions in which wine is served.[13] [It is permitted to sing all songs during occasions that wine is not being served, so long as there are no instruments being played.[14] Other Poskim[15] however rule that mundane songs are forbidden on all occasions, even when wine is not served. Based on this latter opinion, one is to protest against women who sing [mundane] songs while doing household chores.[16] However, those who sing during laborious work in order to hasten their work ability, are not to be protested, and they may do so according to all.[17] Likewise, one may sing a lullaby to help drift a baby to sleep.[18] Practically, the widespread custom is to be lenient in this matter and allow singing.[19] Various justifications have been offered for this custom.[20]]

Playing music for the sake of a Mitzvah:[21] It is permitted [to sing and play music[22]] in all circumstances when done for the sake of a Mitzvah, such as to rejoice a Chasan and Kallah. [In Yerushalayim however, the custom is not to play more than one musical instrument even by a Mitzvah occasion, such as by weddings.[23] However, some are lenient to play recordings.[24]]

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[1] 560:3; Mishneh Sota 49a

[2] Piskeiy Teshuvos 560:11

[3] Michaber ibid

[4] Rama ibid; Tur 560

[5] M”A 560:8; M”B 560:12

[6] M”A 560:9 in name of Bach 560; Elya Raba 560:10; Shelah p. 200; Mishneh Berurah 560; Kaf Hachaim 560:26

[7] Igros Moshe 1:166; 3:87; Sheivet Halevi 8:127; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 560

[8] See Maharshag 2:125; Chelkas Yaakov 1:62; Shevet Halevi 6:69; 8:127; Mishneh Halachos 6:106; Lehoros Nasan 4:46; Piskeiy Teshuvos 560:11

[9] The Poskim ibid explain that the entire prohibition is when one does so for mere pleasure. However, those who do so for the sake of removing melancholiness, and helping up one’s mood, then it is similar to a medicine. Likewise, music that involves matters of Avodas Hashem, and bring a person closer to G-d are not included in this prohibition. Likewise, some maintain that listening to recorded music is not included in the prohibition.

[10] Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid

[11] Michaber ibid

[12] The reason: As the verse [Yeshayahu 24:9] states “With song you shall not drink wine.” [Michaber ibid]

[13] Regarding singing songs which contain verses of the Bible the Mahril forbids doing so under the claim that this belittles the holy words, degrading them from the word of G-d into words of song. Likewise, the Magen Avraham rules that only the melodies which have been instituted for the Shabbos meal may be sung then. However, melodies and poems which lack Rabbinical authenticity are forbidden to be sung even during the Shabbos meal. See Piskeiy Teshuvos 560:14

According to all it is permitted and a Mitzvah to sing parts of the prayer in Shul, such as on festivals, even though it includes verses.

[14] Implied ruling of Michaber ibid; Shaar Hatziyon 560:25

[15] M”A 560:9 in name of Bach 560; Elya Raba 560:10; Shelah p. 200; Mishneh Berurah 560; Kaf Hachaim 560:26

[16] M”A 560:9

[17] M”A 560:9; Sota ibid

[18] Shaar Hatziyon 560:25

[19] See Maharshag 2:125; Chelkas Yaakov 1:62; Shevet Halevi 6:69; 8:127; Mishneh Halachos 6:106; Lehoros Nasan 4:46; Piskeiy Teshuvos 560:11

[20] The Poskim ibid explain that the entire prohibition is when one does so for mere pleasure. However, those who do so for the sake of removing melancholiness, and helping up one’s mood, then it is similar to a medicine. Likewise, music that involves matters of Avodas Hashem, and bring a person closer to G-d are not included in this prohibition.

[21] Rama 560:3; See Admur 338:3; Michaber 338:2; Tur 338 in name of Ravaya; Mordechai Beitza 696; Hagahos Ashri Beitza 5:2

[22] Taz 560:5; Levush 560

[23] See Salmas Chaim 4:21; Piskeiy Teshuvos 560:13; Beis Chasanim; This institution was established in Yerushalayim, in the year 5625 after a deadly plague hit the Jerusalem residents.

[24] See Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid footnote 67

[25] See Tzitz Eliezer 15:33; Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:333; Piskeiy Teshuvos 560:10

[26] See Tzitz Eliezer 15:33; Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:333; Piskeiy Teshuvos 560:10