Israel's Chief Rabbinate has ordered rabbis to stop singing under the chupah, saying it "cheapens the Rabbinate."

Ynet reported earlier this month that the Council of the Chief Rabbinate agreed to strip rabbis who incorporate song and musical performance into the marriage ceremony of their authority to officiate at weddings.

A similar decision was announced a year ago, but with the recent decision the rule will be enforced more vigilantly, according to Ynet. Officiating rabbis have filed complaints with the Chief Rabbinate about the practice, claiming that they "degraded themselves" during the ceremonies.

"We are aware of the fact that a younger generation has arisen that is far from the tradition and is interested in such a chupah so that it is more accepted by those attending," Rabbi Ratzon Arusi, chairman of the Rabbinate's Marriage Committee, told Ynet. "However, everything must be in accordance with halachah. If the rabbi is genteel and cordial, we have no opposition. On the contrary, he sanctifies the Heavens. But when he sings and plays music, this is problematic."

via jta.org