Regarding what you said about reevaluating mihagim as to their appropriateness in each generation; what comes to mind is קטניות and rice. Should that not be reevaluated?

It is refreshing to hear a Rabbi speaking AGAINST superstitutions, segulas and magical thinking - for a change!

For the non-jewish source for the Shlissel Chalah see http://alfassa.com/bread.html

Chazak V'amatz!

Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal