Daily Learning: Can You Listen to Music During the Three Weeks? Guidelines and Exceptions

Based on BaHalachah U'BaAggadah and the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory.

May One Listen to Music During the Three Weeks?

One should refrain from listening to music accompanied by musical instruments during the Three Weeks.

However, at a seudat mitzvah such as a brit milah, a wedding celebration, a bar mitzvah (when the boy's thirteenth birthday falls during this period), a pidyon haben, a siyum masechet, or a similar mitzvah celebration, it is permissible to play music with musical instruments.

The custom among Ashkenazi Jews is to be more stringent and refrain from playing instrumental music even at a mitzvah celebration.

What About Someone Who Suffers from Depression?

A person who suffers from depression or severe low moods may, from the outset, listen to music in order to improve their emotional well-being and lift their spirits.

Nevertheless, it is preferable to do so discreetly, for example by listening through headphones or in another private manner.

Are Dancing and Singing Permitted?

Dancing is prohibited during the Three Weeks, even without musical accompaniment.

Daily Inspiration

Rabbi Chelbo said: "A person should always be careful to honor his wife, for blessing is found in a man's home only because of his wife, as it is stated: 'And He treated Abraham well because of her.'"

Source:Babylonian Talmud, Bava Metzia 59a

Understanding the Teaching

A wife is the heart of the home. When her spirit is uplifted, when she feels happy, calm, fulfilled, and appreciated, that inner light radiates throughout the entire household. From that joy, a channel of blessing is opened from Heaven, bringing peace, prosperity, and emotional well-being into the home.

This is not merely an emotional or psychological principle. It is a profound spiritual truth revealed by our Sages.

The Talmud teaches: "Honor your wives so that you may become wealthy." (Bava Metzia 59a)

This is not presented simply as good marital advice, but as a clear promise. Honor, appreciation, and happiness within the home create the spiritual vessel through which Divine blessing flows.

When a wife feels valued, when her opinions are respected, and when her efforts are appreciated, the Divine Presence rests upon the home, and blessing dwells within it.

Conversely, when a wife lives with sorrow, stress, or a sense of being unappreciated, that spiritual light is diminished. The effects are felt not only in the atmosphere of the home, but also in the husband's livelihood, the children's upbringing, and the overall peace and harmony of the family.

For this reason, both husband and wife share the responsibility of preserving the joy of their home and doing everything possible to prevent bitterness, resentment, and unnecessary tension.