Prayer and Blessings
Listening to music before and during prayer
Is it permitted to listen to music before prayer or during prayer?
Question
In the Name of Hashem, blessed be He.
Hello, honorable rabbi. During an individual prayer service (Shacharit, Mincha, Maariv, or even while reciting Tehillim), is it permitted to listen beforehand to music (pleasant melody without words) in order to uplift the soul for prayer so that it will be with proper intention? And if so, is it permitted to listen to the music during the prayer itself? Of course, I meant music without words. But I would also appreciate it if you would address music with words as well.
Thank you.
Answer
Hello and blessings.
There is no problem with listening to a melody before prayer. On the contrary, that was the way of the prophets before they prophesied, as it is written: And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of Hashem came upon him. And during prayer, if this adds to one’s concentration, there is also no concern at all (and obviously one should not do this in a synagogue unless it happens that the person is praying individually). However, with a melody that has words, I am concerned that this will detract from concentration in prayer, and it seems one should refrain from this.
May your prayers be accepted with favor.
Binyamin Shmuali
