Comentario sobre Sotá 9:11

The explanation of the halachic codes in the name of Rav Hai Gaon, of blessed memory, is that the singing mentioned herein refers to love songs written in praise of mortal beauty. However, the recital of songs (hymns) of praise an exaltation, and those that record the benevolent acts of the Almighty accompanied by music and merriment, at weddings and banquet halls is an accepted custom among all Jews.

סנהדרין – the judges are there, and they are called a Sanhedrin in that they detest a majestic appearance–an imposing figure in judgment.

Introduction This mishnah teaches about what happened when the Sanhedrin, the high court in Jerusalem, ceased to function

בטל השיר – as it is written (Lamentations 5:14): “The old men are gone from the gate, The young men from their music” when the elders who were the Sanhedrin who were sitting at the gate were made idle, the young men were also made idle from their music.

When the Sanhedrin ceased [to function], song ceased from the places of feasting, as it is said, “They drink their wine without song” (Isaiah 24:9). Towards the end of the Second Temple period, the Sanhedrin ceased to function. According to Albeck, it ceased adjudicating capital crimes. From that time on, there were no more songs sung at places of feasting. Later Talmudic commentators and halakhic authorities say that this refers only to songs of love between people. Songs of love towards God did not cease, and hence it was always customary to sing songs in praise of God.