minhag

[ Sephardic Hebrew meen-hahg; Ashkenazic Hebrew min-hahg ]

noun

, Hebrew.

, plural min·ha·gim [meen-hah-, geem, min-, hah, -gim].

1. a custom or procedure among Jews that is so firmly established as to have almost the binding force of law.

Other Words From

• min·hagic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of minhag¹

minhāgh custom

Example Sentences

“We like to destroy a restaurant — it’s our minhag,” said Molly Hoffman of Eagle Rock, who had just dined with the Kupchan family, using the Hebrew word for a Jewish custom not rooted in religious law.

From Los Angeles Times

Wise plays an outsize role in this story, striving throughout his career to unite American Jews under the banner of a reformed Judaism, even creating a prayer book called “Minhag America,” or “American Custom.”

From Washington Post

So my family minhag: A fat “it’s no sin” hog!

From Washington Post

“Minhag avotenu beyadenu,” says the Talmud—we follow the customs of our forefathers when it comes to traditions like this.

From Slate

Minhag Yisrael, the custom of Israel, is what matters.”

From New York Times