Syalyets 1655: Music is banned for the duration of a year throughout Lithuania.
In Pinkas HaMedina, §514, we read about a regulation enforced by the Lithuanian rabbis in Selts (Syalyets): “We have also seen to mourn the great destruction caused in our countries — due to our many sins — that no musical instrument shall be heard in any Jewish house for one year from today, even whilst playing for the bride and groom, but only when the bride is brought into the Hinuma, and on the first night after the chuppah (Wedding night), that is, that night when Jews play — klezmer may be played.”
The destruction referred to here, is the second Cossack uprising (summer 1654–autumn 1655), which saw many Jewish communities destroyed, especially in Lithuania.
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲?
Present them with the gift of their heritage — their very own family tree!
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