4. Attitude of the Rabbis of the Mishnah, gemara and Midrash to music

Question 1

How was secular music viewed?

Answer 1

Secular music was considered a bad influence on the people. Greek music was a stimulant for obscene behavior. Spiritual leaders tried to fight it by urging the people to sing religious songs at festivities.
(Elisha ben Avuyah)

Question 2

What does the Midrash Tanchuma say about secular music

Answer 2

profane songs of love and lust are sufficient cause to destroy the world and the holy songs of the Jewish people are what save it.

Question 3

Attitudes towards music resulting from the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash

Answer 3

1. Instrumental music was prohibited as a sign of mourning

2. Permitted at weddings, but a glass or dish would be broken so as to remember the destruction even then

Question 4

What was the Reish Galusa Mar Ukva rebuked for?

Answer 4

for listening to music too much at home.

Question 5

What does the Midrash say about how congregational song should be done?

Answer 5

in unison as opposed to in confusion

Question 6

Where became the place for the creativity in music?

Answer 6

prayer