The Torah prohibits carrying or moving objects on Shabbat and Yom Kippur outside of an enclosed, private area that lacks a clearly defined and essentially continuous boundary. Rabbinic understanding of this prohibition encourages communities to create such boundaries, Eruvim, whenever possible, so that the joy of Shabbat will be increased for those who observe traditional Jewish law. The Eruv enables families to bring young children to the synagogue so that they may worship as a family. It allows families and individuals to visit and share the day with one another and promotes study by allowing books to be carried from one place to another.
In contemporary society, with highly pluralistic populations, the desire to build an Eruv must be tempered with a recognition of the aesthetics of the community and the sensibilities of others who live in or near the designated areas. Strategies have been developed to make the Eruv as unobtrusive as possible. Existing structures such as river banks, fences, and walls are "adopted" for the Eruv. Only those interested in using the Eruv are aware of this "adoption", since no alteration of these structures is necessary.
A structure resembling a doorway is created in places where no existing structure serves for the Eruv. Two doorposts and a crossbeam define this structure. Neither the width nor the materials that may be used for the doorposts or crossbeams are specified. Therefore, telephone poles and wires, which approximate this doorway shape, are used where and when necessary. Frequently, half-rounds---thin mouldings---are placed on the poles under the telephone wires to complete this doorway structure.
The Eruv encircling a significant area Lakeview has been completed. It is essential that each person be familiar with the exact boundaries. It also is necessary to clearly understand which activities are permitted and which remain forbidden.
The following is a concise guide to the Lakefront Eruv. Please do not hesitate to ask if you have questions concerning the Eruv or its uses.
The area enclosed and considered private may vary in size from a small home to an entire community. The Talmud specifies how to make the enclosure and how to render the entire area a private domain. Specifically, river banks, walls, fences, wires and posts are used to create an enclosure, and the community leases the entire area from governmental authorities. When this has been done, the first step is complete.
The Rabbis allowed the extension of the private domain to include an entire community in order to extend the concept of a home, so that members of the community could share meals, visit and study together. For this reason, a symbolic sharing of food was required to render an Eruv operable. In fact, the word Eruv refers specifically to this food, whereas the river banks, walls, and fences are called mehitzah and the wires and posts are referred to as tzurat ha-petach. In making the Eruv we express that the area we have enclosed is one common home for our community and that all members of the community share equally in it.
Members of the community contribute bread or matzah to create this symbolic meal. One member receives the food as a representative of the community. A blessing on the commandment of making an Eruv is recited, followed by a declaration that it is permitted for us to carry on Shabbat within the boundaries of the enclosure we have erected by means of this Eruv (bread or matzah)
All of these actions have been taken in order to create the Lakefront Eruv. It is therefore permissible within the area described below, which includes much, but not all of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, and according to the conditions herein contained, to carry on Shabbat and Yom Kippur.
It should be noted that there may be individuals who will choose not to make use of any community Eruv because of the view of some authorities that no community Eruv can be valid.
The Eruv will be most helpful to families with young children who are now permitted to wheel carriages or strollers. Others will find it convenient to bring a Tallis or Siddur to shul, or to carry glasses, house keys or other permitted items. There are, however, certain limitations on the types of items which may be carried.
A number of common articles may not be carried, even within the Eruv. These items are Muktzeh, i.e., forbidden to be moved on Shabbat. While they may not be moved even at home on Shabbat, we felt we should remind you of the restrictions.
An umbrella may not be carried, even if it is opened before Shabbat. Baby carriage and stroller shades should be positioned before Shabbat and should not be adjusted.
Items to be used only after the conclusion of Shabbat may not be carried. Therefore, key rings with car or office keys may not be carried. Gardening equipment, tools, athletic equipment, bicycles and sleds may not be used.
Pocketbooks should not be carried. The handling or carrying of electrical appliances, money, credit cards, checkbooks and tickets is likewise forbidden. It is forbidden to attend movies, theater or sports events, even if the tickets are purchased in advance. Watches which cannot be read without pressing a button may not be worn on Shabbat. Any fruits or vegetables found on the ground on Shabbat may not be handled or eaten until after Shabbat.
A number of activities remain forbidden even within an Eruv. These activities, besides being prohibited in and of themselves, would detract from the spirit of Shabbat and therefore are not in keeping with the purposes of an Eruv. Athletic activities, bicycle riding, tennis, swimming, skating and sledding are forbidden. Further, gardening or picking or moving of flowers, fruits or any other vegetation is forbidden on Shabbat. Watering the lawn is prohibited as are playing in a sprinkler or playing with water. Playing in the sandbox is not permitted.
The checking out of library books violates numerous prohibitions and is therefore forbidden even within an Eruv. Once Shabbat begins, it is forbidden to put out the trash, if it will be collected on Shabbat. It is forbidden to mail letters. Mail or newspapers which are delivered on Shabbat may only be taken in after Shabbat has ended.
When you visit someone, any item you bring may not be Muktzeh and must be openable and usable on that Shabbat. Cards may not be taken in sealed envelopes.
Finally, if questions arise regarding any object or activity, please check with the Rabbi.
The wires and posts which constitute the boundaries of the Eruv must be inspected each week as close to Shabbat as possible in order to permit carrying on Shabbat. The Eruv Committee will ensure that the Eruv is checked thoroughly each Thursday. This will allow the construction company sufficient lead time to repair breaks in the perimeter. We hope to complete the inspection and repair by 1:00 p.m. Friday. You must ascertain that the inspection has been successfully completed and the Eruv intact, before you carry on Shabbat.
Please call 312-409-1866 on Friday. If there is no positive message by one hour before candle lighting time, please assume that the Eruv is inoperative for that Shabbat.