Non Jewish Music
Question
Compositions of music that may sound like or imitate church music (a lot of compositions incorporating counterpoint, for example, can sound like this) but are not idolatrous in lyric or tune—are these asur to listen to or benefit from?
Also a side-question: if humming or whistling music with kedusha should not be done in certain places/locations?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
Since these are not actual church songs, they are, in essence, permitted. However, if they closely resemble songs used in a church and are recognizable as such, one should refrain from listening to them. If however, they are ordinary songs and someone just says that they remind him of church songs, there is no problem.
With regard to humming Jewish music in an impure place, such as a bathroom, if it causes one to also think of the words of the song, which are of pesukim, it is forbidden, since it is considered hirhur b’makom tumah.
Wishing you well.
