Minhagim

When Halacha Just Gets in the Way

I think it’s noteworthy how certain halachos somehow trigger significant resistance from mainstream frum Jews.

Oct 26 •

Are There Controls and Limits to the Creativity of Minhagim?

If we (theoretically) removed all innovations to the modern siddur which were added in the past 500 years, we’d probably spend considerably less time in…

Oct 9 •

Swapping Selichos: why should it make a difference?

As many of you have probably noticed, there’s a widespread custom to switch the selichos designated for the fourth day of עשרת ימי תשובה with those…

Sep 29 •

Why Wash Hands When Leaving a Cemetery?

There’s a widespread minhag for people leaving a cemetery to wash their hands using a cup before entering their homes.

Sep 11 •

Doing Judaism My Way (by Manipulating Halacha)

Shabbos and Yom Tov are, apparently, not appropriate times to daven for our personal needs.

Sep 7 •

[repost] What Are We Supposed To Be Doing on Tisha B'Av?

We all know the things we can’t do on Tisha B’Av.

Aug 3 •

Is Mishna Berura the "Posek Acharon"?

I’m not sure where the idea started, but I’ve heard how the Mishna Berura is somehow the final authority in halacha from more than one talmid chochom.

Jul 6 •

Beards and Payos: When Fashion Drifts Away from Halacha

According to Rabbi S.R.

May 21 •

Who Really Expects a Third Mikdash?

A friend of mine decided to get training in the full nikkur process.

Apr 17 •

Mechiras Chometz: Overselling a Mitzvah

In the larger scheme of things, selling chometz really isn't all that important.

Apr 6 •

Why Do We Recite Hataras Nedarim?

Sometimes, tasks we think of as endlessly complicated might not take more than a few seconds.

Sep 20, 2024 •

What Are We Supposed To Be Doing on Tisha B'Av?

We all know the things we can’t do on Tisha B’Av.

Aug 8, 2024 •

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