Carrying objects and pushing a stroller or wheelchair on Shabbos are abilities many frum Jews take for granted. While the community values the conveniences afforded by eruvin, the complex halachos and physical work involved in erecting and maintaining them are rarely considered. “There’s a common misconception that eruvin are easy to construct, and that they’re good for 25 years,” says OU Director of Halacha Initiatives Rabbi Ezra Sarna. “People don’t appreciate how hard it is to build an eruv properly and the effort needed to maintain it from week to week. The conference created awareness of the scope involved in city eruvin and the special people that take care of them.” The two-day event, organized by Rabbi Sarna and the National Eruv Initiative’s Rabbi Baruch Gore, drew over 60 eruv professionals across the religious spectrum from 35 cities in 10 states including California, Oregon, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan, as well as Canada. “The achdus of the diverse group infused every minute with a unique and powerful energy,” says Rabbi Gore. “It was inspiring to see everyone’s shared focus on enhancing shmiras Shabbos both in their hometowns and in other communities. Each attendee walked away with knowledge, resources, and inspiration to fulfill their numerous eruv responsibilities with a renewed passion for helping Klal Yisrael.” Participants heard from leading poskim, learned about new technological advancements in the field, and gained insights from others on how to approach the difficult tasks that are involved with maintaining a city eruv in modern times. The conference also marked the unveiling of the OU’s new, free software developed for eruv administrators. The software takes thorough inventory of all of the components and details of a community eruv, and tracks issues and repairs in real time, enabling the entire eruv maintenance team to communicate quickly and effectively. “The OU admires these professionals and their work, and we want to support them,” says Rabbi Sarna, who sought their feedback as the software was being developed. “The conference committee, which comprised renowned eruv builder Rabbi Micah Shotkin of Passaic, New Jersey, and Rabbi Chaim Meir Steinmetz, eruv supervisor of multiple tri-state area eruvin including Monsey, and son of Dayan Rabbi Yechiel Steinmetz, encouraged Rabbi Gore and me to create the conference. Until now, there was no network or sharing of ideas and experiences. The OU was equally excited to provide the space for everyone to congregate and connect in person. Hosting the conference in the OU’s Manhattan headquarters sent a strong message to the attendees that their work is of national importance.” Eruv poskim are experts in Hilchos Eruvin who assess the feasibility of building community eruvin. They work with eruv builders and supervisors who construct, oversee, and maintain an eruv’s myriad points and installations. “The people filling these roles are generally their own islands,” says Rabbi Sarna. “Many people don’t know they exist, but they invest either their whole lives, or significant hours, ensuring that the eruv is operational. As the Jewish community continues to grow, we will need more and more of these inspiring professionals.” Following opening addresses from OU Kosher Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Moshe Elefant and Yeshiva University Rosh Yeshiva and OU Kosher Posek Rabbi Hershel Schachter, participants enjoyed sessions on varied topics including eruv materials and tools, an electrical wire safety presentation and a shiur from […]
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