‘eruv’ Formed for Jewish Community in Riverdale, N.Y.

Bronx Borough President Robert Abrams today proclaimed the formation of an “eruv” in the Riverdale section of New York. An “eruv” is a common community area within which Orthodox Jews are exempted from the religious law which prohibits the carrying of any items on public streets on the Sabbath and on Jewish holy days.

The formation of the “eruv” was made possible after months of meetings between religious leaders in the Riverdale community and representatives of Con Edison and the N.Y. Telephone Company, who were tremendously helpful and cooperative. The boundaries of the “eruv” are defined by existing fences and by utility poles with special slats attached to form a symbolic fence surrounding the community.

Abrams stated: “While this action will in no way restrict access to or use of the area by non-Jews, it will be of tremendous religious significance to Orthodox Jews who observe the holy laws. By forming the ‘eruv,’ we will enable Orthodox Jews to carry prayer shawls and prayer books to and from their synagogues for religious services. They will also be able to wheel baby carriages throughout the community on Saturdays and other holy days, something which is of great importance to many young families in the Riverdale area.”

Without an “eruv,” Abrams said, “observant families were often kept restricted to their homes on holy days. I am sure all Riverdale residents will join me in extending our best wishes to these families and in hoping they will enjoy the freedom and mobility this ‘eruv’ will make possible.” Abrams said he had agreed to authorize the formation of the “eruv” after the idea was presented to him by Rabbis Avraham Weiss and Mordecai Willig and after meeting with the Orthodox Jewish Rabbinate of Riverdale and the Riverdale Eruv Committee.