Edgware, London – Eruv To Go Live This Shabbas

Edgware, London – Edgware’s Jewish community is this week preparing for an extra special Shabbas after it was announced that the long-awaited eruv catering for the area would go live this weekend.

Subject to final inspections before Shabbas, a packed meeting was told that London’s second religious boundary was just hours from becoming a reality, enabling Orthodox Jews to carry out activities including pushing wheelchairs or buggies and carrying house keys and siddurim. 
Sara Levy is among many in the community keenly anticipating an enhanced Shabbas experience. The 30-year-old – who has been unable to go to shul on Shabbas with husband Dov since the couple had their first child four years ago – said: “I’m very excited. The eruv means I can go to shul and bring my baby along as well. In a Shabbas afternoon we can go out to friends for lunch or to the park as a family. We will be able to socialize instead of being stuck indoors which is horrible.”

Rabbi Lieberman, under whose supervision the eruv was constructed – said: “I am overwhelmed by the cross-communal support I have received from the other Rabbonim in our community.” He insisted people must check each Friday that the eruv is kosher for that Shabbos.  
Councillor Brian Gordon said: “I am pleased that, unlike the Golders Green eruv, the Edgware one has not proven controversial between the religious communities. Even though there are some who may choose not to use it, there is a consensus between local rabbis that this eruv is halachically acceptable.”  

Meanwhile, estate agents were this week predicting a hike in house prices in the area. Steven Kersh, of Harvey Jacobs, said: “With the increase of synagogue, restaurants and kosher shops within the perimeters of the eruv, properties there will be in greater demand. As a result, there will be a significant rise on house prices within that area.”