Music & Judaism

READ THIS PAGE AND THEN TAKE THE QUIZ TO EARN UP TO 10 POINTS!

Music has played a central role in many aspects of Jewish life throughout history. Let’s explore.

• The First Musical Instruments: Right at the beginning of the Torah we are told that “Yuval was the father of all those who play harp and flute”. This shows the necessity of music right at the beginning of creation (even though it was used then for Avoda Zora…) (Sefer Hanigunm - introduction).

• Tzadikim and Music: The first thing we did after leaving Egypt was to sing praises to Hashem. Dovid Hamelech used a harp to help him come closer to Hashem, and many Tehillim describe music in praising Hashem. Music was also used by many Neviim (like Shmuel and Elisha) to be ready for Nevuah.

• Music in the Beis Hamikdash: There was a choir (which included children) and orchestra in the Beis Hamikdash to bring people closer to Hashem when they offered Korbonos. They would alter the music depending on what mood was needed at the particular time.

• Music and Chassidism: All the Rebbeim were extremely musical, and the Mitteler Rebbe actually had a “Kepellia” which had a choir and orchestra. R’ Hillel of Paritch said: “you need a talent in music to have a talent in Chassidus”.

• Music Today: ​The day after 27 Adar I 5752, R’ Leibel Groner announced in 770 that the Rebbe had told them, with a big smile: "There will be a recovery soon, with much שירה וזמרה - Song and Melody".