This reminds me of a story told by Alan Dershowitz in his book Chutzpah. Post WWII emigration from Williamsburg to the suburbs caused the melding of the old Brooklyn congregation into the original congregation at the newer suburban synagogue. Very quickly a problem concerning traditional observance came up. One congregation insisted that they all stand during the recitation of the Sh’mah, while the other congregation insisted that they all sit. Arguments broke out. They sought consultation with their oldest Rabbi.
“Is it not the tradition to stand when reciting the Sh’mah?” they asked. The Rabbi became silent in thought.
“No! The tradition is that we must sit when reciting!” the others said. The Rabbi remained quiet, seeming to mull it over. Then, in frustration they all said at once, “Rabbi, we must have an answer or we will be arguing forever!”
At this, the Rabbi suddenly looked to them with a light in his eyes and said, “Yes! That is the tradition!”
I love that story.