JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israeli Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein ruled that volunteers may use musical instruments to cheer seriously ill patients during the Three Weeks and even the Nine Days, calling it “a great mitzvah” despite the customary mourning restrictions of the season.

The ruling, published in the Divrei Chemed Torah bulletin, came after groups of volunteers who regularly visit hospitals asked whether they should suspend musical performances during the period leading up to Tisha B’Av.

The volunteers explained that they frequently use music to encourage and uplift patients suffering from serious illnesses and wanted to know whether such performances should be avoided out of respect for the mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temple.

Rabbi Zilberstein ruled that they should continue.

He cited the Talmud (Yoma 82a), which teaches that pikuach nefesh—the preservation of life—overrides virtually all other considerations, explaining that strengthening the spirits of seriously ill patients is itself a great mitzvah.

He also quoted the verse from Proverbs (18:14), “A person’s spirit sustains him through illness,” emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being in recovery.

Expanding on the connection between joy and healing, Rabbi Zilberstein cited the Talmud (Shabbat 113a), which says that although taking large strides can diminish eyesight, the effect is restored through Friday night Kiddush. He noted the explanation of the Iyun Yaakov, based on another Talmudic passage (Avodah Zarah 28b), that “the roots of the eyes are connected to the heart.”

Since King David wrote, “Wine gladdens the heart of man” (Tehillim 104:15), and King Solomon taught, “The light of the eyes gladdens the heart” (Mishlei 15:30), Rabbi Zilberstein explained that joy strengthens the heart, which in turn promotes healing.

Based on these sources, Rabbi Zilberstein concluded: “It is a great mitzvah to go and sing, play music, and bring joy to patients suffering from serious illnesses, even during these difficult days when we mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple.”