[Avodah] What is a minhag?

[kennethgmiller at juno.com]

R' Ben Waxman wrote:
> the difference between minhag and practice (the former being
> binding and the latter not) starts to break down.

and R' Rich Wolpoe responded:
> Who says every minhag is binding? ...
> Here are many optional minhaggim
>    Ushpizin
>    Tashlich
> ...

Let's not get bogged down in semantics. RBW is using the word "minhag" to describe one which is binding, whereas RRW sees some minhagim which are *not* binding.

To me, there is a very simple way to resolve this, and I'll use RRW's example of Ushpizin to illustrate it: IT seems clear to me that Ushpizin *is* a "minhag", in an abstract sort of way, in that it has certain rules about when and how to do it. There are even disputes about the "right" or "proper" way to do it -- i.e., where Yosef appears in the list.

However, it is quite possible that it is binding upon some, and not binding upon others. This will depend on the practices prevalent in one's family and/or community. Some people might not be bound to follow this minhag, and so they refer to it as a "practice" which they might not do, or perhaps they might even do it occasionally, or even on a regular basis but with a distinct "bli neder" approach so that it doesn't become binding in the future. Other people *are* bound to do Ushpizin, so they refer to it simply as a "minhag", with all the relevant rules in place.

In other words, if something is *a* minhag, but not *my* minhag, I may be tempted to refer to it as a "practice", even though it may be binding on others. Other things might never be binding on anyone, even if the practice is widespread.

Here's a practical example. Perhaps someone can help me research it: Shuckeling (swaying) while davening. Is this a practice or a minhag? Is it binding or optional? (I clearly remember seeing it mentioned in KSA or MB, citing Tehilim 35:10 as the source, but I can't find it, so I don't know exactly how it was written up there.) If it is binding, did Rav Moshe Feinstein need to do Hataras Nedarim when he chose instead to stand at attention for his prayers?

Akiva Miller

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