What is an Eruv?
The Torah prohibits carrying outside of an enclosed "private" area on Shabbos and Yom Kippur. Nevertheless, areas enclosed are considered "private" and may vary in size from a small home to an entire community. The Talmud specifies both the definition of an enclosure, and how to render an entire area a private domain. All these conditions have been met in order to create the West Side Eruv. It is therefore permissible, within the area outlined, to carry on Shabbos and Yom Kippur, according to the conditions described below.
Please note: It continues to be the responsibility of parents to teach their children the halachos (what can and cannot be done) as they pertain to carrying on Shabbos. It is only because of the Eruv that we are allowed to carry within the Eruv area. Everyone, including children, should be aware of the appropriate halachic behavior in areas where there is no Eruv.
Rules of the San Francisco Eruv
The Eruv will be most helpful to families with young children, who will now be permitted to wheel carriages or strollers. Others will find it convenient to bring a talis or siddur to Shul, a sefer to a class or shiur, or to carry eye glasses, a house key or other permitted and/or necessary items. Wheelchairs, crutches and canes may be used if necessary.
The eruv is checked on a weekly basis.
Many factors can invalidate an Eruv, and only specific authoritative confirmation on Friday validates the Eruv for use each week. Please remember that if the Eruv is not operational, carrying in the public domain may be a serious transgression. The purpose of our Eruv is for the enhancement of the Shabbos observance, not its diminution. Therefore, the existence of the Eruv should not be considered a dispensation to enter places not consistent with maintaining the sanctity and spiritual character of the Shabbos, e.g. business establishments, stores or offices.
Eruv Supervison - Hashgacha
The eruv is a project of Congregation Chevra Thilim with the assistance of Rabbi Zarchi
The Rav Hamachshir for the eruv is Rabbi Manish Spitz. Rabbi Spitz is one of three inspectors of the Miami Eruv and was consulted for the creation of a number of eruvim in the United States.
