Halacha (transliterated from the Hebrew in a number of closely related variations) refers to Jewish religious laws derived from biblical commandments (mitzvot) and Talmudic and rabbinic law. On the other hand, minhag refers to an accepted tradition or group of traditions in Judaism. A related concept, nusach, refers to the traditional order and form of the prayers. That’s a pretty simplistic description. To learn much more, click on the links below.
Quote: “A Jewish custom — known in Hebrew as a minhag — is a religious practice that, though sometimes very widely practiced, does not carry the force of Jewish law [Halacha] and is thus not considered mandatory by traditional Jews.”
Sources: Wikipedia, My Jewish Learning
Learn more about halacha on Wikipedia. >>
Learn more about minhag on Wikipedia. >>
Read “Jewish Custom (Minhag) Versus Law (Halacha)” >>
Watch “Where Do Jewish Laws Come From? Intro to Torah, Talmud, Halacha” [3:50]. >>
Photo: The Israel Times
