Listening to music in the month of Elul
Question
Dear Rabbi, Is one allowed to listen to music in the month of Elul? Thank you
Answer
There is no custom to mourn in the month of Elul.
The days of Elul are not days of sadness and pain. Rather, this is the time to get closer to Hashem. Our sages said that the name of the month is spelled out by the first letters of the verse “אני לדודי ודודי לי” – “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” (Song of Songs 6:3). This is an expression of love to Hashem. Besides that, those are the days of preparation for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Therefore, G-d-fearing people customarily utilize these days to do additional Torah learning and good deeds.
Thus, in the days of Elul, you may and should do anything that gives you joy and happiness, provided that it’s appropriate and doesn’t contradict G-d’s will.
Have a good year!
Source
Mishnah Berurah, preface to ch. 581