1)It is forbidden to dance during Sefira, as it will lead to too much Simcha in this period of mourning. (See Mogen Avraham 493:1 and Mishna Berura 4893:3)
It is also forbidden to play or listen to musical instruments during Sefira. (See Aruch HaShulchan 493:2 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchok Vol. 1 Siman 111)
2) Though some people are lenient with regard to listening to music that isn't live (such as on a CD), the majority of Poskim forbid that as well as the end result (the fact that it will lead to extra Simcha) is the same.
Even those who rely on the lenient Psak should refrain from listening to tapes or CD's that contain very lively dance music. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 166, Shu"t Yechaveh Da'as Vol. 6 Siman 34 and Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 15 Siman 33:2)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) It is permissible to sing during Sefira. However, one should not sing lively songs that may lead to dancing. (Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal)
If one is passively listening to music with no intention to bring him/herself to Simcha (e.g. while in a doctor's waiting room, in a store or in another public place where music is playing) it is permitted to remain there, as it isn't his/her intention to listen to the music.
If one is exercising and needs music for the rhythm, it is permissible, as it isn't being done for Simcha. (Psak of Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita, Dayan in Lakewood, NJ)
2) Listening to Cantorial recordings (Chazanus) where the musical accompaniment is only as background, and isn't part of the music, is permitted.
Likewise, children's story tapes that have musical background are permitted, even when there are adults present who will hear it. (See V'Yevarech Dovid Orach Chaim Siman 65)
If music is necessary to calm and/or control small children (e.g. a musical mobile for an infant, or even a music tape in the car on long trips) it is permitted. However, it should not be played very loud that people outside, who do not know the reason you are playing it, will hear it. (Psak of Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita)
Good Shabbos and Good Chodesh!
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
If I'm sick on shabbos and I can't take medicine can I at least daven for a refuah even though I'm really not supposed to ask bakashos (requests) on Shabbos?
Answer:
If you are sick enough that you need to lay down, certain medicines may indeed be taken (Consult a Rav regarding which ones etc.).
We do say the Mi Shebarach for Cholim on Shabbos, we just add in a verse "Shabbos Hi M'Lizok.." You can do the same thing and ask Hashem to make you feel better.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Important Numbers
