minhag

Minhag is a Hebrew term meaning habit, custom, or practice. In Judaism, it denotes a customary practice observed by a community, family, or individual that is not mandated as formal law (halakha) but is followed because of tradition or communal norms. The concept is discussed in rabbinic literature alongside halakha and nusach, and it recognizes that practices may vary by time, place, and group.

Minhagim cover a wide range: liturgical customs such as pronunciation and order of prayers; ritual practices around Shabbat and holidays; customs surrounding life-cycle events (birth, marriage, mourning); and synagogue etiquette. Distinct communities—Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi, and others—often maintain their own minhagim, reflecting historical development, geographic origins, and family lineage.

Minhagim are not binding in the same sense as a mitzvah, but they can carry weight within a tradition and may affect communal decisions. When a minhag conflicts with a clear halakha, the halakha prevails. Over time, some customs become widely accepted and treated as standard within a tradition, while others remain localized. Rabbinic authorities may discuss, preserve, or codify certain minhagim in response to changing circumstances.

Examples of minhagim include variations in prayer nusach and melodies, the timing or manner of certain observances, and ritual practices at weddings or funerals. Medieval and early modern authorities, such as the Tur (Jacob ben Asher) and the glosses of the Rema (Moses Isserles), discuss and record various minhagim, illustrating their role in shaping practice across diverse Jewish communities.