Tradition holds a central role in Fiddler on the Roof. The Jewish villagers rely heavily on tradition to navigate their daily lives. According to these customs, a matchmaker is responsible for arranging marriages, rather than allowing individuals to choose their partners. Customs also dictate that only men should dance at weddings, rather than inviting women to join them. Tradition influences clothing choices, dietary habits, and social interactions, particularly in the context of Jewish and Russian relations. Although Tevye tries to adhere to these customs, the changing times often challenge these long-standing traditions.

Perchik emerges as a strong advocate for change, asserting that adapting is crucial for survival in a rapidly evolving world. Yet, tradition can sometimes promote ignorance of external realities. Perchik seeks to dispel this ignorance, preparing the community for potential threats like harassment and expulsion by the Russians.

Tevye, however, has a deep affection for his daughters and ultimately makes choices to ensure their happiness. His desire to see his children content drives much of the change in the story: He breaks from the tradition of arranged marriages by allowing two of his daughters to select their own spouses. Though he initially struggles with Chava’s decision to marry a Russian, Tevye eventually reconsiders. By prioritizing his family’s well-being over strict adherence to tradition, Tevye embraces change and prepares his family for the many transformations they will encounter in the future.

In Fiddler on the Roof, both Perchik and Tevye, often unintentionally, disrupt local customs. When Tevye's eldest daughter, Tzeitel, wishes to marry Motel instead of Lazar, Tevye agrees, even though Yente had already arranged a match with Lazar, which Tevye had accepted. This choice goes against the village's tradition of fathers selecting husbands for their daughters. To preserve some tradition, Tevye concocts a dream to persuade his wife Golde that marrying Lazar would be a mistake for Tzeitel.

Following this initial break in tradition, further challenges continue to reshape Tevye's family dynamics. While Tzeitel and Motel ask for Tevye's permission to marry, Hodel and Perchik simply seek his blessing. Although Tevye is unhappy with this change in custom, he agrees because it ensures his daughter's happiness.

Perchik is the first to invite a woman to dance at a wedding, prompting nearly everyone to follow, thereby breaking a long-standing custom. He also aims to make the villagers aware that the world is changing and that the Russian czar is targeting Jewish communities. By the play's conclusion, Perchik's warnings come true when Russian officials inform the Jews they must leave the village within three days. This represents a major shift, as most villagers believed they would spend their entire lives in Anatevka.

In Fiddler on the Roof, family and faith form the foundation of life. Everything Tevye does is motivated by one or both of these pillars. As a dairyman, Tevye sometimes pulls the cart himself when his horse is sick or loses a shoe. He works tirelessly to provide for his wife and five daughters. Many of his personal challenges arise from not being able to afford five dowries—or even one—making it difficult for him to arrange marriages for all his daughters. Despite challenging traditional norms, each daughter seeks her father's blessing, as his approval is very important to them. When Tevye feels unsure or overwhelmed by tough decisions, he turns to God, speaking directly to seek guidance for his troubles.

The Jewish faith plays a central role in the village, underpinning numerous community traditions.