minhagim

Minhagim (singular minhag) are customary practices observed by Jewish communities or families. They arise in addition to, and alongside, halakha (rabbinic law). Unlike commandments, minhagim are not binding universal law, but they often carry significant weight within a community and are transmitted from generation to generation.

Minhagim vary by geography, community, and lineage, reflecting historical circumstances, liturgical tradition, and local identity. They exist among Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi communities and may be ancient or recently established; some spread beyond their place of origin, while others stay local.

Common domains of minhag include liturgy and prayer (nusach, the order and timing of services, and customary tunes); calendar and festival practices (candle-lighting, Havdalah, and the welcome of Shabbat or holidays); life-cycle and social rituals (customs at Brit Milah, naming ceremonies, weddings, mourning, and how guests are honored); and ritual table practices (specific songs, readings, or sequences in meals and services).

Some minhagim have been codified or discussed by authorities and later adopted more broadly; others remain private or regional. Changes can occur as communities move, interact, or respond to new circumstances, illustrating the diversity and continuity of Jewish practice.

Minhagim thus function as a flexible layer of tradition that preserves communal identity while accommodating local variation, complementing rather than replacing universal halakha.