Halachot and Customs
Is there any problem with whistling in the house?
Question
Hello, honored rabbi. First, thank you for the answers; I very much enjoy learning your responses. Is it permitted to whistle in the house? I heard that there is a custom that it is not good. Thank you very much.
Answer
Hello,
There is no prohibition against whistling. However, some have written that this is not an appropriate practice; see Sefer Orchot Shabbat, part 2 (chapter 29, note 60), in the name of the Chazon Ish, zt"l. See also Sefer Maaseh Ish, part 1 (pages 167-168).
See further in Sefer Shabbat beShabbato (page 327), which cites what he heard in his childhood: that someone who whistles causes demons to come, and that he found no source for this. See also what is written on this in Shu"t Maaseh Ofeid, part 1 (siman 100).
With blessing,
Hillel Meirs
