Q&A from the Bais HaVaad Halacha Hotline

Vocal Rest

January 15, 2026

Q May I listen to music to lull myself to sleep at night, or to counter the monotony of staring at a screen all day at work?

A The Mishnah (Sotah 48a) records that when the Sanhedrin ceased to function before the Churban Bayis Sheini, music was banned from wine feasts, as it says, “Beshir lo yishtu yayin” (Yeshayah 24:9). The Gemara (Gittin 7a) says the prohibition includes singing. The Rambam (Hil. Ta’anis 5:14) differentiates between singing—forbidden only at a wine feast—and instrumental music, forbidden everywhere. According to Rashi and Tosfos (Gittin ibid.), even playing instruments is only forbidden at a feast. But playing music routinely, like when going to bed each day, is forbidden (Tosfos ibid., citing the Yerushalmi).

The Mechaber (O.C. 560:3) codifies the Rambam’s view, but the Rama is lenient, following Rashi and Tosfos. It is commendable, though not obligatory, to follow the stringent ruling of the Rambam (Igros Moshe O.C. 1:169). Going to sleep daily to music would be a problem even according to the Rama, as above, but see below.

Some poskim suggest that only live music (or singing, as applicable) is subject to the decree, because audio recording didn’t exist when it was issued (Chelkas Yaakov O.C. 64). But many poskim reject the distinction (Tzitz Eliezer 15:33; see others cited by Piskei Teshuvos ibid.). The Sheivet Halevi (2:57) seems to consider even recorded singing to be instrumental music: Because the sound emerges from a device rather than a person, the device is effectively a musical instrument. But the general consensus seems to be lenient and regard a recording of singing as singing.

The Gemara (Sotah 48a) allows boat haulers to work to song to energize them in their strenuous work, because they are not using it for enjoyment. This can be extended to those who work at screens and need the stimulation in order to work.

If you can’t fall asleep without music, or generally, if you need music to attain menuchas hanefesh, it is permitted (Or LeTzion 3:30), because these are not for the purpose of enjoyment.