Welcome to the Golders Green Eruv website.

Carrying objects between public and private domains is forbidden on Shabbos, as is carrying items within a public domain. An עירוב is a mechanism outlined in Halacha that changes the classification of a public domain to a private one. The word עירוב, in the vernacular, has come to mean the enclosure of a specific area for the purpose of permitting carrying on Shabbos. Technically the form of enclosure used in most instances is a צורת הפתח (literally "the form of a doorway"). This צורת הפתח generally consists of upright poles which are the sideposts and wires running from them which form the lintel. In addition to the Tzuras Hapesach, which renders the entire area a רשות היחיד (private domain), there must also be an עירוב חצירות (lit. combining of courtyards), through joint ownership of bread, usually matzos. If it also encloses non-Jewish residents שכירות רשות (renting of rights) must also be performed. The details of these processes are beyond the scope of this flyer.

An עירוב is meant to enhance the enjoyment and honour of Shabbos by permitting us to carry within its borders. Besides saving those who do carry on Shabbos from this עבירה, an עירוב allows those who are homebound - the infirm and parents caring for infants - to go to shul and to visit friends and family on Shabbos, as well as the carrying of other permitted items necessary for Shabbos. Items required for use after Shabbos may not be carried on Shabbos. Any item that is מוקצה, including an umbrella even if opened before Shabbos, may not be carried on Shabbos. At the same time, it continues to be the responsibility of parents to teach their children the הלכות and restrictions of carrying on Shabbos. It is only because of the עירוב that we are allowed to carry within the area it encloses. Everyone, including children, should be aware of the proper Halachic behaviour in areas where there is no עירוב.

The עירוב was constructed with pairs of 5.5m high metal poles and connecting wires at the various roads around the border of the עירוב. There are also foldable fixed dalsos (1m high) contained in metal green boxes installed at various locations.

Determining the course that an עירוב will follow is a very complicated process requiring literally years of work. The decisions are constrained by halachic issues, terrain, cooperation of the council as well as individual residents. Satisfying all these factors means it is sometimes not possible to include every property. It is important to note that the עירוב does NOT include any part of the North Circular Road (A406), Finchley Road or Hendon Way. If you will be carrying anywhere near the boundaries, please make sure you are fully aware of the extent of the עירוב, as detailed in the map overleaf.

Once the עירוב is up, it's up, right? Wrong. Due to factors beyond our control, primarily adverse weather and vandalism, the עירוב may become invalid. Thus the עירוב must be checked each week and Erev Yom Tov and repaired if necessary. The status of the עירוב will be shown on the home page of the website. In case of a major storm beginning anytime after Friday noon the עירוב should be presumed to be non-operational. Heavy rains, wind, snow, or other weather conditions can frequently invalidate an עירוב.

Because of the complexity of the laws of Eruvin, no one should take it upon themselves to extend the עירוב, or attach wires or any other addition to the עירוב. The עירוב constitutes a closed and complete entity in and of itself.

If you notice that the עירוב is down during the week please email [email protected] or text 07520644004 (Text only). The Shailos relating to what to do if you notice it is down during Shabbos are too complicated to answer here. Please discuss this scenario or any other Shailos with your Rov.

The purpose of an עירוב is to enhance the observance of Shabbos. The עירוב will permit those who might otherwise be homebound to come to shul to daven and to experience greater עונג שבת. Relying on the עירוב to engage in sports activities diminishes the sanctity of the Shabbos and is antithetical to the purpose of the עירוב. Bike riding is forbidden on Shabbos regardless of the עירוב.