Erev Shabbos Music During Sefirah

April 1, 2020

Our chaver Rav Nachum Amsel asked:
Question: My wife and I have been performing with singing, instruments and an amplifier Friday afternoons, about an hour before Shabbat from our balcony in our little neighborhood in Jerusalem, and families from other balconies and Zoom have enjoyed the singing, giving a warm community feeling leading into Shabbat. Normally, this would be Asur during the Omer. Is there a Heter to do this during these times to help welcome in the Shabbat where there is no Minyan or singing on Shabbat? Of course, we could do it without instruments, but that is not the same thing.
Answer: Rav Schachter felt that it would probably be allowed as it helps boost the morale of the community, and at this point that is very important.