First, I’d like to say that numerous points made by Joseph, Aveirah, and others are completely false. They really enjoy making things up, or twisting other things to suit their own purposes.
I think we really need to make a differentiation between LWMO and the rest of it. LWMO I’ll define as Avi Weiss and his ilk. I agree that they have major issues, and they should not be considered Orthodox. It’s not only my opinion – the RCA said a number of years ago that they left Orthodoxy. So they could call themselves whatever they want, it doesn’t change what they are. Lumping them together with good, frum MO people is a mistake.
Does MO have some issues? Of course, every sect does. That doesn’t mean it’s all wrong.
You also can’t compare the Modern Orthodoxy of 50+ years ago to what exists today. Torah observance in the US has grown tremendously, and MO as a whole has grown as well.
I disagree about the characterization of tefillah in a MO shul being filled with talking and smartphone use. It’s not true. In fact, I will say that the worst shul I’ve ever been to as far as decorum is concerned is a chassidish shul in Brooklyn, with a Rav who is regarding as a big adam gadol, who is widely respected. But after seeing the lack of decorum multiple times, I refuse to daven there anymore.
In truth, I should point out that I’ve seen people talking on the phone in shul, on Shabbos. I’ve used the phone on Shabbos myself. I even used it on Rosh Hashanah, and I believe once on Pesach, during the seder. I have adult family members who don’t fast on Yom Kippur, and still consider themselves frum. Is this because I’m MO? No, I’m sure you guessed that it was all for medical reasons. You know what else I’ve seen? A family member who learned in kollel, who was a chassid shoteh. His wife went into labor on Shabbos afternoon. He decided, “She likely won’t give birth too quickly, and it’s only a few hours until Shabbos ends. I’ll be maikel and use the earliest zman, and then take her to the hospital!” He even left her alone to go to shul to daven Maariv! Baruch Hashem, the baby was born about 10 seconds after they got into the hospital – shomer p’sayim Hashem.
This is what yeshivish has become.
NoMesorah pointed out the leadership vacuum. When did Chareidim become like chassidim, and need a Rebbe in charge? Each time a Gadol Hador passes away, everyone goes crazy trying to figure out who gets the title next! Why does it matter? You have your Rav, listen to him! This is exactly one of the things the Gra feared with his opposition to Chassidus – the elevation of the Rebbe to a position above that of a person.
It fits for Joseph to quote Rabbonim from 60-70 years ago when he wants to, what about the Gra? Joseph, do you oppose chassidus? After all, it had no mesorah at all, and was opposed by the Gadol Hador at the time! Does this not fit your narrative?
This entire thread is truly sickening. The sinas chinam showed here is terrifying. Aveirah, I fully agree with those who said that you should not be in a classroom. I pray that one day you are found out for the hateful person you are, and you get blacklisted.
This has turned into a rant, because I’m just so sickened by this. These hateful people should be begging for forgiveness from the thousands of people they are insulting.