עברית
Halachot and Customs
Listening to Music During the Year of Mourning for Parents
Halachic Guidance on Music and Mourning Practices
Question
Shalom, honorable Rabbi, I would like to ask several questions: 1) During the year of mourning for parents, is it permitted to listen to quiet songs to myself through headphones, songs that strengthen me? 2) For the purpose of learning, such as a sports lesson, is it permitted to listen to rhythmic melodies? 3) When I go out for a walk, is it permitted for me to listen to songs? Personally, I think my father would not want me to be sad like this; songs are something that bring joy, and I do not understand why it is forbidden to listen to songs or buy a new garment, after all I am sad whether or not I have the new clothing or the music I listen to. My father’s passing is an indescribable loss, and I do not think that buying a garment or listening to songs makes me forget that my father passed; on the contrary, it only brings more melancholy and sadness, in my opinion. 4) What should one do when there are activities or annual outings? Should one go, participate, or not? Thank you, Rabbi, for all the help: Linoy
Answer
Greetings and blessings. 1. No. 2. Yes. 3. Purchasing a new garment is permitted for Sephardim after thirty days. Listening to songs is forbidden. Indeed, one must not try to forget the mourning but rather face it. It is not honoring your father to ignore his passing and listen to songs. If you are truly falling into depression, that is a different matter. 4. It is permitted to participate. May you be comforted with the consolation of Zion. May Hashem grant you strength to overcome, to strengthen yourself, and to bring satisfaction to our Father in Heaven. This is the greatest joy for our father in heaven.
Rise and succeed, Binyamin Shmueli
