Question:
I am at the beginning of my aveilus for my father, z”l and I am a piano player. I’m not a professional, but it is s significant hobby. When my mother z”l passed away I stopped playing for the year and lost a lot of ability that I had to relearn. If my goal is to play so I can retain my skill, does that make it alright to play? It feels as though losing my father is enough loss and I don’t want to cut this other thing out of my life that really does bring me comfort and peace
Answer:
Hamakom yinachem eshem btoch shar aveiei tzion v’yerushalayim.
Regarding your question. There is room to be lenient to play a musical instrument if it is for parnassa reasons, but not if it is only for a hobby. However in general if a person is in aveilus and they need to play the music in order to help them with depression or feeling down it is permitted.
