Minhagim

When Did We All Start Ignoring the "Sealing of the Talmud"?

It’s popularly understood that the completion of the Talmud around 1,500 years ago marked a critical transition in halachic history.

Jan 4 • Boruch Clinton

Funerals: Who Must Attend?

There’s a levaya happening in Toronto as I write these words.

Dec 14, 2025 • Boruch Clinton

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, 2025 • Boruch Clinton

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, 2025 • Boruch Clinton

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, 2025 • Boruch Clinton

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, 2025 • Boruch Clinton

Doing Judaism My Way (by Manipulating Halacha)

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

Sep 7, 2025 • Boruch Clinton

[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, 2025 • Boruch Clinton

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, 2025 • Boruch Clinton

Beards and Payos: When Fashion Drifts Away from Halacha

According to Rabbi S.R.

May 21, 2025 • Boruch Clinton

Who Really Expects a Third Mikdash?

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

Apr 17, 2025 • Boruch Clinton

Mechiras Chometz: Overselling a Mitzvah

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

Apr 6, 2025 • Boruch Clinton

#nojs-banner { position: fixed; bottom: 0; left: 0; padding: 16px 16px 16px 32px; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; background: red; color: white; font-family: -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; } #nojs-banner a { color: inherit; text-decoration: underline; } This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please turn on JavaScript or unblock scripts