The range of Jewish customs is as vast as their origins are obscure. Why do some Jews dress a certain way? Why is challa braided? Why do we give gelt on Hanukka?
Even when not halakhically mandated to do so, Jews throughout the ages have embellished their behavior with practices drawn from classical Jewish sources and non-Jewish folklore.
In Jewish Customs, Rabbi Dr. Zvi Ron explores the sources, reasons, and development of some of the most common and uncommon minhagim.