An important subtext of Halachic research is the study of the numerous customs- Minhagim- which have been adopted by faithful adherents to the Torah over the centuries. These sacred practices have been recorded in authoritative codes of Jewish law and are generally regarded as integral parts of standard Halacha. Students are familiarized with Minhagim in such areas as Shabbat, Holidays, Tefila and Kashrut, among others. The study of these widely accepted customs strengthens our students’ allegiance to the Halachic way of life and imbues them with an extra dimension of affection for the legal strictures of Judaism. Since Merkaz is comprised of students from both the Sephardic and Ashkenazic communities, it is often very interesting for them to note when their customs, at a particular time or regarding a specific subject, differ one from another.