To Jothar – I am impressed that you researched the sources. I cannot understand why chatrooms and the Coffeeroom are taking the place of research and asking one’s Rav. The reason that Shimush Talmidei Chachomim is so important is that we need guidance to know how to apply halocha in any given situation. If someone has not been guided in how to derive halocha from sefarim by his rabbeim – even research in sefarim is insufficient. Ezra HaSofer did not leave Bavel for Eretz Yisroel as long as his rebbe, Boruch ben Neriah was alive.
1- We must all have a real live rebbe for guidance.
2- those who are able should research the sources like Jothar.
3- I was fortunate enough to be educated by the Gedolai Yisroel, not Internet chatrooms. I suggest that every man and woman connect to qualified rabbanim and madrichim.
4- I learned from numerous Gedolei Yisroel that we must not “bash” other Jews (even if minimally observant) – no matter how strongly we may disagree with them.
5- I was fortunate to see the pleasant way the Gedolei Yisroel related to “not yet frum” Jews and nochrim.
If we all start behaving like we should more of the secular Jews will desire to copy our ways, and we will cause HaShem’s Name to be beloved.