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Aug 21, 2023
Interesting Psak: musical selichot
Chief Rabbi Rav Dovid Lau issued a psak regarding the phenomenon of bring musical instruments and livening up the selichot.
Rav Lau was asked if it is allowed to conduct the selichot services accompanied by musical instruments.
According to Kikar, Rav Lau referred to the historical basis for banning musical selichot. Rav Lau said it is a fairly new phenomenon nd preferably people should continue the tradition of the nusach that was accepted for many generations, but if someone feels the musical accompaniment adds to their inspiration and meaningful prayer, then it should not be prevented.
The original reason why musical accompaniment was banned was to reject the Reform who brought musical instruments into the services having copied the style form the Churches. There were some places and some circumstances where it was allowed, such as during the week rather than on Shabbos and holidays, or at Kabbalat Shabbat, if davened early enough.
Rav Lau says that because today it is already common to have selichot services with guitars and violins, it cant be said that it is taken from the goyim. An organ would still be prohibited because of chukas hagoyim, but guitars and other such instruments would be ok.
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The question is: what kind of atmosphere should Selichos be?
ReplyDeleteFor decades, it was a night at the opera as the local Chazzan showcased his voice and tunes so people would buy tickets for that particular one on RH and YK.
Now it's a giant kumzitz and there's a party atmosphere.
Like how Tisha B'Av kinnos used to be about sitting on the floor alone in misery and now it's a giant social event with inspiring speakers.
Right. Music can enhance the mood of davening, but the question is, what mood? Selichos are supposed to be an entree to Yamim Noraim. That means they should inspire awe and trepidation. The words certainly do -- ha neshama lach, ve ha guf shelach, chusah al amalach.
DeleteInstead, these tunes sound like a party or kumsitz.
Garnel, I think you have false nostalgia over tisha bav. Well there were always individuals who experienced Tisha bav as you describe, and they still do.
DeleteBut for the masses, Tisha bav would mean at best sitting on the floor and saying endless words that you had no idea what they meant. At worst, sitting on the floor and shmoozing with your friend. An inspiring Tisha bav is at least an improvement on that.