Many Acharonim (cited by Pitchei Teshuva Yoreh Deah 293:1 and Encyclopedia Talmudit 12:628 note 84) wrote at great length to defend the lenient practice of the overwhelming majority of observant Jews. The Aruch HaShulchan (Yoreh Deah 293:18) describes how it was nearly impossible to follow the strict approach in his area (19th-century Russia). He notes that very few people follow the strict approach. He concludes, "All the Jewish people are free from sin." Interestingly, a number of individuals have informed this author that Chassidim (including Satmar) abide by the lenient approach to Chadash. Indeed, there is a legend that the Baal Shem Tov heard a heavenly voice declaring that the Halacha follows the Bach.
The Mishna Berurah (489:45) notes that most observant Jews adopt the lenient approach to the Chadash issue. Although one should not criticize one who follows the lenient approach, a Halachically scrupulous individual should adhere to the Chadash restrictions as best as he can. In the Biur Halacha (489:10 s.v. Af), the Chafeitz Chaim laments the fact that some people adopt an "all or nothing" attitude towards Chadash. He writes that just because one cannot observe the strict approach to Chadash at all times at the highest level of observance, it does not mean that one should not observe it at all. He writes that one should do his best to observe the strict approach to Chadash as often as possible. Accordingly, we should applaud the Orthodox Union for taking steps to facilitate stricter observance of Chadash for those who wish to follow the stricter opinion.
