- Torah and Jewish Thought
Incorporating Halachot - Ashkenazi, Sfaradi
Question
Shalom,
Is it Halachikly allowed to follow different Halachot from different Edot? Since they are all Halacha, would it be allowed to choose the Halachot that speak mostly to you? Or is there a problem with that? If there is a problem, can you please explain why?
Thank you very much!
Answer
In many matters it is common for people to adopt customs that are in accordance with the practice of different communities. Some people follow the basic customs of their parents, but make a few exceptions. Some people, often Ba'alei T'shuva, have no clear parental customs and end up adopting customs as they come upon them or choose them. The problem comes up if there are contradictions between the halachic logic of one custom and another. This is especially crucial if we are not talking about local custom but about halachic decision making in which consistency and logic are crucial (along with the connection that one should feel when performing mitzvot.
Having some customs/decision which are from different Edot necessitates a deep understanding of halachic logic. I suggest discussing specific issues with a qualified rabbi to check that varient practices don't lead to mutually exclusive positions.

Should I continue until I see the salvation?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 9, 5779

Hebrew Flaming Letters
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 1 Sivan 5766

Rabbi Chaim Tabasky
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky teaches a shiur in gemarah at the Beit Midrash program of the Machon Hagavoah l'Torah at Bar Ilan University. He is also a certified examiner of STa"M (Sifrei Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzot) and a narrative therapist.

Can One Say Torah is Boring?
19 Sivan 5764

Crossing the International Dateline
20 Iyyar 5764

Women in the ’Halacha’
12 Sivan 5764

Dates,Years,Centuries
20 Iyyar 5764

Giving Tzdaka with Right Hand
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 28, 5772

Mezuzah for a Catholic Family?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 15, 5779

Giving Tzdaka with Right Hand
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 28, 5772

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773
Praying with people placing Tefillin on forehead?
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783

Using Father's or Mother's Name in Judaism
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 4, 5783
How to split expenses for a group event
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783
