Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2000 22:09:04 -0500 (EST)
From: Russell Hendel <  rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu>
Subject: Re: Music on Shabbat

QUESTION: Since playing instruments is prohibited then does this mean
that all singing is prohibited on Shabbos?  Given all
the zemiros (songs) that were composed especially in honor of Shabbos, I
cannot imagine that this is true.  Could you please clarify?>  >

ANSWER: The question is correct. I should have said that Chazal prohibited all 'dancing
singing'. However pure CASUAL singing such as at the table, during
davening, laining etc is permitted.

I personally don't know if Choral singing is permissable on Shabbath since
very often professional singing is accompanied by instrumental groups.
However the singing we do at tables is 'casual' and didn't come under the
enactment that prohibited 'instrumental and instrumental related activities'.

It is of course well known that certain groups allow 'dancing' in shule on
Shabbath (especially Chasidic groups).  I am not familiar with the details
of this heter but I would say off the top of my head that they allowed it
only under synagogue conditions (where there is usually no instruments).

Russell Hendel; Math; Phd ASA; RHendel@Towson.Edu;
Moderator Rashi Is SImple; http://www.shamash.org/rashi/