This evolution of customs may seem surprising to a society which is not at all accustomed to changes and evolution. In our everyday life, we have the impression that Jewish traditions are immutable. Even in issues where an adaptation is desired by a significant part of the community, change seems impossible and scholarly rabbinical initiatives remain theoretical, without practical consequence.
Nevertheless given the breadth of Jewish history we must acknowledge that changes occur periodically without us really knowing exactly when and how.
J. Jean Ajdler, “The Order of Lighting the Hanukkah Candles: The Evolution of a Custom and the Influence of the Publication of the Shulhan Arukh”, Hakirah 7 (Winter 2009), 225.