Do Jews use instruments of music in the Synagogue worship?

Answer 1

Historically, when the Temple stood, prayer was accompanied by Musical Instruments. In modern Judaism, the tradition was to not play any instruments during worship because of the destruction of the Temple. However, some Reform and Conservative groups do now play musical instruments during worship.

Answer 2

A number of instruments including a 12-stringed harp known as a nevel and a small drum called a tof are thought to have been used during worship within the Temple in Jerusalem in ancient times.

Today, there is much variation between different synagogues, even those serving Jews of the same denomination. For example, one synagogue, though describing itself as Reform, might serve a traditionally-minded congregation and as such employ little or no music during services. However, another - which also describes itself as Reform - may regularly accompany services with organ music or other instruments. Likewise, one Orthodox synangogue (especially one serving Charedi Jews) might strictly forbid music whereas another - such as one in an area with many Chasidic Jews - may use music and musical instruments as an expression of the joyful spirituality that Chasids believe to be an important part of worship.

Over the years, I have heard of a number of different musicians employing a number of different instruments being invited to play in synagogues. One example would be the American Jewish singer-songwriter Regina Spektor, who found and abandoned piano in her synagogue after arriving in the USA from Russia. At the other end of the scale, I have heard of a heavy metal band, composed of teenage Jewish boys, playing in a Progressive/Liberal synagogue.

Answer 3

Traditionally, carrying a musical instrument to or from a synagogue would be forbidden on the Sabbath, and to avoid the possibility of encouraging this, playing such an instrument would be forbidden on the Sabbath. I have been in Orthodox synagogues that have organs, but they are not played on the Sabbath. I have also met cantors who regularly use a guitar during the preliminary prayers for Sabbath services during the summer, putting away their guitar before the Sabbath candles are lit, not long before Sunset.