Songs from the Song of Songs
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Question
Hello, Is it permissible to sing songs from the Song of Songs? Songs of holiness such as - "King Solomon made himself a palanquin... Its interior is paved with love" (Mordechai Ben David) Is it necessary to purify the words, and is it permissible to teach children such songs? I would appreciate the rabbi's opinion on this matter. Best regards
Answer
Hello
There is no problem singing verses from the Song of Songs, unless they are used for songs of frivolity or jest, but if sung with the intention of devotion and closeness to God, it is permitted.
Source
Azmara Leshimcha 97
Source: see Mishnah Berurah (Siman 160, Se'if Katan 14): 'It is written in Likutei Mahari"l that it is improper to sing at a feast "I will thank You for You have answered me" and similar for merriment, because then the Torah dons sackcloth and says: "Your children have made me like a song" [Sanhedrin 101], but in the synagogue on festivals it is a mitzvah to sing, and therefore the Magen Avraham concludes that on Shabbat it is only permitted to sing those songs that were established for the meal, but other piyutim are forbidden', end quote. And Yad Rama (Sanhedrin 101) writes: 'The Tannaim taught: one who reads a verse from the Song of Songs, etc., and it can be explained that this refers to one who reads it in jest, but one who intends to praise God through song, it is permitted. And this requires study'. It is also explained in Sefer Chasidim (Siman 147): 'Those who go and recite verses in jest, and they are in their mouths like a song of frivolity, the Torah will cry out against them and say: "Master of the Universe, Your children have made me like a harp, etc.", end quote. And similarly in Taz, Siman 160, Se'if Katan 5'.