Hello 99 wrote: “Actually there were “Ashkenazi” communities in France, Italy and Austria as far back in history as the ones in Germany. Anyways, there were established communities in Eastern Europe 500 years ago. Why should someone drop 5 centuries of minhagim because his ancestors may have briefly sojourned in Germany previously? And if you want to follow only “original” minhagim, go farther back to Bavel and EY???”
The Ashkenazi community of Germany (including Holland and Alsace-Lorraine) is a continuation of the communities of Italy. Rabbeinu Moshe ben Kalonymus of Lucca (passed away 4650) was brought by Emperor Charlemagne to Mainz to restart the Jewish settlement. Rabbeinu Tam (??”? ??? ???? ???? ??) voiced this sentiment about the two Torah-famous cities in Italy of Bari and Otranto. ?? ????? ??? ???? ???? ?’ ???????
In the Siddur of Rabbeinu Shlomo of Worms (lived during period of 1st Crusade-4856) he considers the customs of France and England to be inferior). It is no wonder that Rashi, who was born and served the community in France, nevertheless learned in Germany for there was the seat of Torah.
The Jewish community of Austria is relatively recent in these terms, having been started only after the expulsion of French Jewry in 5154 (the community in Germany was already established 500 years previously).
Regarding Bavel and E”Y, the Minhagim of Ashkenaz synthesize the Minhagim of Bavel and E”Y. The “Ashkenaz” community of Italy followed the Minhag E”Y exclusively until Abu Aharon came from Bavel to Italy and taught Rabbeinu Moshe of Lucca (mentioned above) the Kavanos of the Prayers. Thereafter, much of Minhag Bavel was incorporated. Nevertheless, many Minhagei E”Y were kept for special occasions. For example, the saying of ????? ???? ????? ????? instead of ?????? ?????? ????? was the Minhag E”Y for the whole year, regardless if there were Kohanim present or not. This Minhag was preserved for instances when there were Kohanim on Yom Tov. Saying ??? ??? ????? ?????? instead of ??? ????? in Maariv was said in E”Y every day. This is preserved for instances when the piyyutim of Maaravis are said.
Thus, Minhag Ashkenaz is certainly the most authentic and communities still exist that practise it.