<html>
<body>
The following is from Pirkei Avot with the Rambam's commentary pages 74 -
75. Note the statement,
"<font face="Arial, Helvetica" size=3>the decision whether a
particular subject is forbidden or permitted, desirable or objectionable,
is not dependent on the language in which it is spoken, but rather on its
content. If the content of a song is inspiring, it is necessary to sing
it, regardless of the language in which it is written."
This makes me wonder why some reject out of hand anything that is from a
gentile source.<br><br>
</font>Also, note what the RAMBAM wrote regarding Hebrew, namely,
"<font size=3>Because of the holiness of the language, [41] it is
not fitting to use it except for refined purposes." This makes
me wonder how one can use Hebrew as a day to day language as they
obviously do in EY. YL<br><br>
</font><font face="Arial, Helvetica" size=3>[In this context, it is
worthy to note that] songs, regardless of the language in which they are
composed, are judged according to their content. We should follow the
same guidelines with regard
</font><font face="Arial, Helvetica" size=3>to
</font><font face="Arial, Helvetica" size=3>them as mentioned above with
regard to the five categories of speech. Although this point of
clarification is obvious, it is necessary to mention it [specifically],
because I have seen men of stature and pious individuals from our nation
[ignoring it). When they attend a party, a wedding, or [a celebration of]
that like, and a person desires to sing a song in Arabic, they object and
refuse to allow the song to be sung. This is true even when the song
praises courage or forthrightness - i.e., it is in the category of
desired speech - or it praises wine.
</font><font face="Arial, Helvetica" size=3>If,
</font><font face="Arial, Helvetica" size=3>by contrast, a singer sings a
Hebrew song, no one will object, nor will they remonstrate even though
the content of the song concerns subjects that are forbidden or that
should be eschewed. <br><br>
This is utter foolishness. For the decision whether a particular subject
is forbidden or permitted, desirable or objectionable, is not dependent
on the language in which it is spoken, but rather on its content. If the
content of a song is inspiring, it is necessary to sing it, regardless of
the language in which it is written. And if its subject matter is
corrupt, we are obligated to shun it, regardless of the language in which
it is written. <br><br>
</font>I feel, however, that there is a further point to be added in this
regard. When there are two songs that both arouse sensual desire, extol
it, and draw the soul<br>
in this direction, this is [surely] a shortcoming. And this is the
category of speech that should be eschewed, for it arouses and stimulates
a crude quality, as we<br>
explained in the fourth [introductory] chapter. When one of the songs was
composed in Hebrew and the other in Arabic or Persian, hearing the Hebrew
song and speaking of these matters in that language is less desirable
according to the Torah. Because of the holiness of the language, [41] it
is not fitting to use it except for refined purposes. Surely, the above
applies if the person [incorporatesJ a verse from the Torah or the Song
of Songs. This causes [the song] to move from the undesirable category to
the forbidden. For the Torah has forbidden the use of the words of
prophecy for songs about crude and lowly matters. [42]<br><br>
[41.] See the Guide for the Perplexed, Vol. III, Chapter 8, where the
Rambam discusses the holiness<br>
of the Hebrew language.<br><br>
[42.] See Sanhedrin 101a.</body>
<br>
</html>