Halacha Corner – Music on Shabbat
Should one refrain from drumming or banging on a table on Shabbat to a niggun?
In Shulchan Aruch it says that one may not drum, clap, or dance on Shabbat in a musical context. (It is actually a Mishna in Mesechet Beitza 5:2). Part of the reason that we have the custom to be lenient with clapping or dancing while singing, etc., is because the clapping is a part of simcha shel mitzva, rejoicing associated with a mitzva (as mentioned in the Magen Avraham).
The same allowance exists in theory with drumming or banging on the table to the tune of a niggun. However, this should only be done out of true simcha which assists our service of Hashem, and not to enjoy one’s drumming skills or similar reasons. Therefore, many discourage drumming with a vessel (instead of using the hand) or synchronized drumming with the hand to the beat of the niggun, as often these are done more as a musical enhancement rather than as an expression of true simcha shel mitzva.
Rav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, member of the Beit Din of Crown Heights; from asktherav.com, reprinted from chabadinfo.com
