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

Comments

Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)

Please sign up or log in to submit your comment

Become our partners in supporting and spreading the Torah. Help us answer more questions faster and better.
Next
More questions in this category
Simchas Torah and Shemini Atzeres
The Four Species