Sources For Listening To/Not Listening to Non-Jewish Music

Question

What are sources for it being allowed to listen to non-Jewish music and sources for it being prohibited?

Answer 1

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein in Igrot Moshe Yore Deah vol 2 no 111 states:

1. Music (with or without words) performed to honor a religious diety is prohibited.
2. Music with words of religous praise are prohibited even when performed in a secular setting. No distinction is made regarding language or comprehension.
3. Religious music without words of praise in a secular setting (aside from any problems associated with music in general) is permitted but R. Feinstein calls it a "davar mechuar" - an ugly/disgusting thing. The instruments used cannot be instruments generally used for religious purposes.

In addition, in responsa #56, R' Feinstein prohibits listening to Christian religious music.

(Source: http://ottmall.com/mj_ht_arch/v9/mj_v9i98.html#CWQ )

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The Mishnah Berurah (53 s.k. 82), based on the Bach (Shu"t Bach haYeshanim 127), says it is permissible to listen to the song unless it was composed for\is primarily sung in Christian religious services.

Please see the responsa inside for details, and ask your LOR for an actual p'sak.

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See also:

Halachipedia - Listening to Music (especially the "links" section) for the Halachot of listening to music in general.

Rambam's Commentary on the Mishna, Avot 1:17. Loosely translated and explicated here: http://www.torah.org/learning/pirkei-avos/chapter1-17.html

Answer 2

Forget non-jewish music- the Shulchan Aruch prohibits hearing any music! However, there are Heterim to listen to music through recordings for sephardim. And ashkenazim have many heterim as well.

Answer 3

Extensive article here:

http://www.ohrtorahstone.org.il/features/music_berman.htm

Answer 4

if I remember correctly, first of all music in general is forbidden because we are mourning for the bet a micdash. but we are lenient on music that are basically pesukim or praises to hahsem, specially in wedding and such.

maran in shulhan aruch posek and I think in ialcut iosef he simply says that today is different

Answer 5

See the Rashi on the Gemara !אחר מאי? זמר יווני לא פסק מפומיה in :חגיגה דף ט"ו that says that Acher (אלישע בן אבויה) went off the Derech because he was listening to Greek music - and he should have refrained because of [Aveilut on] the Churban.