I think it's relevant how loudly the person was singing. If they're doing so loudly enough that it could be heard down the hallway, then someone might get offended and not be able to effectively protest. if he's just humming to himself, I'd click both boxes #1 and #3 above.
I don't know what, exactly, constitutes a chillul Hashem (I mean, I googled it, but that doesn't give me the cultural connotations). However, even a brief foray into Wagner's history makes me detest him more than I had - because there appears to be no doubt that while one of the reasons why he was so admired by the Nazi's was that his grandiose, pompous, monumental music hit the Zeitgeist to a t, the other is his strong anti-semitism.
I understand whistling unconsciously - but I also feel that 'tactless' is probably the right word for it.
And, you know... speaking up when someone is tactless? Your life is probably easier if you don't, but all too many people try to be polite to the offenders and forget the offended.
I don't know if I'd quite say it was a chillul Hashem, but I agree it was rather insensitive of him. My friend Peter still likes Wagner but I'm sure he wouldn't sing it in a synagogue. He actually put a stone on Wagner's grave and apparently there was immediately a loud crack of thunder and rain poured down...! ;)
Yeah, chillul Hashem is putting it way, way too strongly. Humming Wagner while setting out kiddush is a derech eretz thing. He shouldn't do it, and you were right to speak up, because it had the potential to be upsetting to survivors who were present. Not because music liked by the Nazis and composed by an antisemite is inherently evil, it's just music. I have no problem with your friend buying a Wagner CD, just with his taking the risk of really upsetting people.
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zvi and
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Date: 2010-10-11 07:32 pm (UTC)best,
Joel
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Date: 2010-10-11 08:53 pm (UTC)I understand whistling unconsciously - but I also feel that 'tactless' is probably the right word for it.
And, you know... speaking up when someone is tactless? Your life is probably easier if you don't, but all too many people try to be polite to the offenders and forget the offended.
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Date: 2010-10-11 09:56 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 10:27 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-15 12:15 pm (UTC)