Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jewish plan for sabbath 'home zone' revised

Mary Braid
Friday 18 June 1993 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

FRESH proposals to create Britain's first eruv have been submitted to the London borough of Barnet, four months after councillors turned down plans for the special religious zone to ease the sabbath observance of orthodox Jews, writes Mary Braid.

The proposed eruv has bitterly divided the Jewish community in north-west London. Eruv supporters wanted to erect 85 poles linked by 1.2 miles of wire to create the 11- mile perimeter zone in which Jews would be exempt from some sabbath restrictions.

During the sabbath, from sundown on Friday to sunset on Saturday, orthodox Jews may not carry even keys or handkerchiefs, or push prams or wheelchairs, outside the home. The eruv extends the definition of 'home' over a large area, allowing Jews to move more freely.

A United Synagogue Eruv Committee spokesman said: 'Although the eruv will greatly enhance the quality of life for observant Jews, it will have no adverse effect on others.'

Opponents of the scheme, including prominent local Jews, have complained the eruv has no place in modern society. Some say living behind wire would evoke unwelcome memories of concentration camps and ghettos.

The committee's revised planning application reduces the number of poles by five and suggests nylon line be used instead of steel.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in