Minhagim
Question
Lately, you have repeatedly mentioned the idea that one should follow the minhagim of whatever Rav one is committed to as a posek. This may be a new ruling from your father, inasmuch as I don't recall hearing this in the past. I am wondering - if someone is Ashkenazi and their Rav is Sephardi or vice versa, would this idea still apply. In other words, if Ashkenazim, for example, had a Sephardic Rav as their posek, would they be permitted to eat kitniyot, etc.? Also, if you have the time, could you explain the reason for this pesak? I always thought that minhagim followed one's father/community, so this notion is new to me.
Answer
Answered by Aaron AbadiTrue. And a bit controversial, or potentially so. Applies either way.... A person should follow his Rav. If his Rav is from a different community, he should stick to those customs. Imagine if years ago when a Rav was always local and a person would move to another place. He would follow the Rav in the other place and begin a new set of customs. It's not that simple, since the mixup of customs and the new globalization of the world complicates these concepts. But that is the deal. AA