Understanding The Importance Of Our Community Eruv

Since the establishment of our Bukharian community in Queens, I do not recall any other eruv designed with specifications like the ones included on ours.

The eruv itself was spearheaded by Rabbi Asher Schreier formerly of the Young Israel of Forest Hills, who brought Rabbi Micah Shotkin in to work on the project. Both of these rabbanim met me regarding updates they wanted to make for the eruv together with our community. I made it clear that an eruv would only be best if done in accordance with the opinion of the Rambam.

Understandably, this is no easy task due to multiple factors required to conform to the Rambam’s viewpoint. However, Rabbi Schreier and Rabbi Shotkin were adamant and jumped at the opportunity. I am happy to say that after touring and inspecting all the borders of the eruv, I am very impressed by the work.

The eruv extends into many unconventional areas around Queens, requiring creativity and ingenuity in its construction. I will even go as far as to say that Rabbi Micah Shotkin must have had azut d’kedusha to accomplish a lot of what he displayed.

The eruv is always an important topic in any community, because many of the community members are not familiar with the laws and status of their eruv. To know that your community has one of the best eruvin around should really bring joy and even relief to the community members, because carrying on Shabbat is no small matter.

Not only that, but the materials used for the eruv are much sturdier than the standard fare. Eruvin are infamous for collapsing during rain and snow storms, often stranding Jewish people right before Shabbat. Here, I saw lines made from metal, secured by metal rings and thick posts. All in all, I can testify after inspection that this eruv is reliable. I am proud to present the conclusion of this project to our community, which now benefits from the halachah being kept at its optimal level.