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“Converting” non-Jewish Music

Brothers Avi and Yossi Piamenta, after becoming close to Yiddishkeit, asked the Rebbe if it would be okay to produce a record of songs with lyrics from Jewish sources matched to non-Jewish melodies.

The Rebbe responded:

“You need to follow the instruction of a practicing rabbi from Anash, [who is also] an askan (communal activist) regarding if it’s possible and worthwhile to make them Kosher. In case of a doubt, you should take the more stringent approach.”

(Likkutei Sichos vol. 24 – Hosafos, p. 429)

The Problem with Rock-n-Roll Music

The Rebbe’s response (assumed to be from 1974) to a Rock-n-Roll band leader by profession, who became a Baal Teshuva and asked the Rebbe’s advice about creating a program of music “in a Jewish spirit”:

A – [You should proceed with this plan] only after you address the concerns of a certain segment of the community, [namely], that the band that existed all the while up until now hasn’t essentially changed, as well as the manner in which it was advertised — as the album would exhibit…

B – Generally, your plan is a correct one and desirable, based on what is written “Know Hashem in all your ways.”

This is especially true in the field of music, in which the current reality is, that (1) it is instrumental in “taking” people’s hearts [and can be a powerful tool to bring people close to Yiddishkeit]; (2) It can provide parnassa for someone involved in it, at least covering the basic requirements (allowing you to dedicate yourself to these programs as much as needed for them to succeed; (3) especially since you have “taken over” the “market” and gained fame…

But it is obvious, like with any kind of plan, that success is greater and more easily attained when it is prepared by an experienced professional in that given field, or at least done under [such a person’s] guidance and direction, and when done with the properly required dedication.

Not Only Secular

[The genre of music of which your write, currently] is not only secular, it also bases its appeal to the listeners … on their [selfish] inclinations and on tearing down the existing boundaries and order (and to the greatest dismay this includes the area of tzniyus, modesty)

On the one hand, this emphasizes even more the necessity of your plans (as it is literally pikuach nefesh…); on the other hand — (1) it makes [the plan’s] implementation even harder, because you must battle an existing norm and remove the suspicions of religious leaders and educators which are [rightfully] founded on the prevailing spirit in the music-world of the youth, and even of the adults.

An additional, essential [point] to address is (2) how to ensure that those individuals who will enter the world of music via this program, won’t enter its much larger (at least quantitively) and very diverse already-existing part, which [as said] has no boundaries at all.

To the contrary, [not only does it remove the boundaries], its [underlying] message is “do whatever you want,” it encourages you to explore everything yourself and find out what it is, and when the time comes, you alone will decide what your approach to it will be with no [so-called] “prejudice” at all.

There is much more to elaborate on this subject.

Conclusions:

My conclusions from all the above:

Arranging such concerts is desirable (several times a year, under the auspices of a religious organization)…

Creating a steady music [study] program (with a school and the like) requires cautious organizing and special precautions, in line with what was written above.

Producing records with proper content [lyrics] and proper melodies is desirable.

In general, why begin immediately with all these plans? [It is better to proceed slowly], as Chazal say that “if you grab too much at once, you grab nothing.”

(Likkutei Sichos vol. 38 – Hosafos, p. 179-180)

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