We respond to every follow-up question submitted, but only publish selected ones.
In order to be considered for publication, questions must be on-topic, polite, and address ideas rather than
personalities.
Why is the ear the preferred method of God’s revelation to the Jewish people?
The ear is the best channel for wisdom. The eye can lead astray. Hearing leads to understanding. Do you hear me?
I can see why the eye can be deceiving but why is the ear not subject to the same deceptions as the eye?
Why doesn’t hearing lead people astray?
It seems to me that the ear can be deceived, but I can think of one major difference: The ear can only hear one sound at a time, that is, try to listen to two people talking at the same time, you will see that you can only hear one of them at a time. The eye however can watch and see two or more people at the same time. Thus, the eye is more easily distracted by wrong or irrelevant information.
Comment by ATR — August 11, 2006 @ 10:25 am
Is it wrong to listen to non-Jewish music?
I’m intrigued by your making the connection. Some music can definitely be harmful to a person, just like certain images or ideas. Because of the power of the ear, music can be particularly insidious. I am not an authority on Jewish Law so will not tell you which kinds of music are “kosher” and which are not. Obviously, the content of the words would make most popular secular music inappropriate. However, based on a conversation I had with a highly respected Rabbi about the appropriateness of enjoying Michaelangelo’s artwork, I would suggest that the standard of measure for classical music would be what was the intention of the composer and performer. If the intent is idolatrous then it would probably be problematic.
I’m sure that there has been more written on this subject and I will try to dig a little deeper for you.
Rabbi Seinfeld
rabbiseinfeld.blogspot.com
Comment by ATR — September 13, 2006 @ 4:38 pm