A Short Tribute

There are those among us versed in the art of song, that is, in music. Six or eight members of our community raise their voices in praise and song on holidays and festivals in synagogue – honoring the LORD with Ein K'Eloheinu, Yigdal, Adon Olam and the like, in the orderly, proportionate, and artistic manner described above. An individual came up to dismiss them by saying it is inappropriate and forbidden to rejoice so, celebration is forbidden and singing – as they, musicians by craft, do – is forbidden, ever since the Temple was destroyed, since it says "Israel, rejoice not in song as do the nations"… Response: Singing when drinking wine or indulging in regal pleasures and the like are all forbidden because of the Destruction and the Exile…but when it serves the fulfillment of a commandment, such as in the case of a bride and groom and the like, even a youth will realize that this is entirely permissible… Nobody with a mind in their head will doubt that praising God through song in synagogue on the Sabbath and on festivals is considered a commandment. For we consider every holy Sabbath as a bride who is to be adorned and celebrated with rejoicing of all kinds, and so it is with festivals as well. It is also a mitzvah for cantors to sing in their most pleasant voice.