[HANASHIR:14862] Re: KOL ISHA: "Pop Bands Whose Beat Is Orthodox and Hip"

[Golda18 <Golda18...>]

> I do not believe it is "halacha" -  law -  but rather,
> customs of the individual communities, rebbes they follow, etc.

Robbie,

The interesting think about halacha is that in a halachic community, minhag 
(custom) becomes halacha (Jewish law) over time.  In fact, this happens in the 
secular world too.  

There are many examples I could bring.  One is kippah for men.  It is not in 
the Torah or Talmud.  I don't think it is in the Schulhan Aruch (1600s) which 
is relatively recent in the scheme of things.  I believe it is only about 200 
or 300 years old and came from a muslim influence.  THey did it first and it 
became our custom, for men, and now required for men in halachic circles.  But 
not for women, even in liberal halachic circles (some conservative) because 
it's simply not minhag long enough to make a change. Most people are surprised 
to hear how new kippah is comsidering how ancient a religion we are and there 
are those who act like it is Min Ha Shamayim (from the heavens.)

So, to get back to your original question, the prohibition to hear "kol isha" 
a women's voice has become so entrenched into the customs of some orthodox 
communities that it has become halacha.  

Personally, I'm so used to hearing sopranos on the bimah, I find it strange 
to hear a mail cantor's voice!

Gail Nalven