Ask The Rabbi

Ask The Rabbi

category:  Other

Minyan or Music

I am over Bar Mitzvah and value davening with a minyan. I play a couple of musical instruments because my parents want me to. I just found out that my parents want to sign me up to a non Jewish orchestra once every night. If I go, I will miss Mincha/Marriv with a Minyan. As long as my parents don’t lose money do I have to listen to them or let them sign me up?

There are no hard and fast rules about white shirts. In general, a white shirt is considered to be a modest but respectable garment, and a person should wear clothing that is respectable.


Also, part of the day is spent standing in prayer in front of the Creator, and this certainly warrants respectable attire.


In any case, the main thing is not the external garments, but rather the spiritual ones, namely, a person’s thought, speech, and deed. Physical clothing is only a means to the end, the goal being purity of spiritual garments.

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