Shaar sets up symbolic carrying domain

Known in Hebrew as an eruv, the enclosed area will be marked by a thin line on top of existing utility poles, and will be barely noticeable. Once in place, it will allow people greater freedom to carry items around on the Sabbath without breaking religious laws.

According to Jewish tradition, one of the categories of work which the Bible prohibits on the Sabbath is carrying items between public and private domains, as well as transporting objects within a public domain. The eruv creates a symbolic domain that joins together all the various domains and properties within one enclosed area so that the entire area can be considered one large entity.

Though the eruv will engulf most of Westmount, some neighbourhoods will be excluded. The boundaries will run roughly between The Boulevard and the railway tracks south of St. Catherine Street, and between Clarke and Mountain Avenues to the east and Claremont and Lansdowne Avenues to the west.

The project is expected to be ratified by Westmount City Council at its next meeting, this Monday, May 26.

All costs related to the setting up, maintenance, and insurance of the eruv will be covered by Congregation Shaar Hashomayim. “By supporting this initiative, Westmounters are enhancing the city’s reputation as an open and respectful community," said Lynn Eltes, the Shaar's eruv chairperson, who has been working closely with the City to ensure that the project complies with all bylaws. "Jewish residents will now be able to observe the letter and spirit of the Sabbath in a very pleasant way. In practical terms, it means we will be able to carry items within the eruv, which enhance the Sabbath spirit, such as food and reading material, or to push a baby carriage or wheelchair. Our hope is that the eruv will heighten the sense of the holiness and beauty of the Sabbath while fostering a stronger sense of community among Jewish and non-Jewish residents of Westmount.”

The eruv, which will be set up over the next few weeks, will be fully checked every Friday. Westmounters who wish to confirm that it is operational should call the Shaar Hashomayim eruv hotline at 514-937-9474, ext. 109. Residents seeking more information should contact Rabbi Scheier at 514-937-9471 or visit the website at www.shaarhashomayim.org.

In addition, neighbours are invited to meet with clergy and representatives of Congregation Shaar Hashomayim to learn more about the initiative on Thursday, June 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.