Unveils New Technological Advances in the Field of Eruvin
Keeping hundreds of eruvin kosher worldwide is a complex, time-consuming, and often hazardous job for eruv supervisors, checkers, and builders. At the Third Annual City Eruv Conference at the Sheraton Edison in New Jersey, participants heard from leading poskim, explored new technologies, shared tips on navigating the challenges of maintaining city eruvin, connected with rabbanim, and networked with colleagues and community leaders. Organized by the Orthodox Union’s Director of Halacha Initiatives Rabbi Ezra Sarna and National Eruv Initiative Co-Founder Rabbi Baruch Gore, the two-day event attracted 130 eruv professionals across the religious spectrum from 50 U.S. cities, as well as Argentina, Canada, the UK, and Israel.
“The fact that people came from around the world, including many cities outside the tri-state area, like San Diego, Charlotte, and Oregon, highlights our unity as Klal Yisrael and our shared commitment to improving eruvin,” says Rabbi Gore. “Participants’ ruach, positivity, and achdus were remarkable. Regardless of hashkafah, they found meaning, chizuk, and inspiration in being together and learning from each other.”
Central Jersey Screw and Bolt, a specialty fasteners supplier, and the Crown Heights Eruv, were proud sponsors of the event.
A new innovation was unveiled by Aware Buildings CEO Jerry Kestenbaum: an eruv string motion sensors system, which promises to make the work safer and more efficient while strengthening halachic oversight. A company that specializes in long-range wireless sensor systems and custom sensing platforms for high-rise buildings, utilities, and community infrastructure, Aware Buildings used their expertise to develop the eruv string motion sensors which use a wireless network paired with waterproof sensors. This new innovation can alert professionals when eruv strings are broken, dramatically streamlining the monitoring and upkeep of eruv strings.
Rabbi Sarna notes that the conference initially took shape thanks to the vision and support of OU Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l.
“Rabbi Hauer, zt”l, is the reason the OU entered into the space of eruvin,” he says. “His passion and sense of responsibility for Klal Yisrael were such that he encouraged us wholeheartedly to move ahead with the idea.”
Following introductions from Rabbi Sarna, Rabbi Gore, and OU Director of Community Engagement Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, participants enjoyed dynamic sessions including Materials and Tools, Techum Shabbos in Modern Cities, Ladder Safety, Bungalow and Camp Eruvin, Foundations for a Successful Eruv Organization, “What are you doing?” Responding While Working on an Eruv, and Eruvei Chatzeiros: Shaylos & Solutions, among others.
“There is always more to learn in the field of eruvin,” reflects Rabbi Sarna. “The sources are very challenging, and the conference featured presentations that clarified and demystified the complex halachos.”
New this year, participants chose from concurrent sessions tailored to their interests, experience, and knowledge base.
“As our network has grown and we’ve gotten to know the participants better, we’ve designed sessions that foster meaningful introductions,” says Rabbi Sarna.
Other highlights included a Builders Panel where professionals shared creative approaches to complex situations, a demonstration of the OU’s free eruv software, which tracks issues and repairs in real time, a chance to explore utility bucket trucks, and a roundtable discussion where participants exchanged tips and personal anecdotes.
First-time attendee Nechemya Abenson of London, UK, was excited to learn about the conference. Abenson oversees all stages of eruvin, from planning routes and defining their boundaries to installation, maintenance, and training and supervising checkers.
“I work under the guidance of dayanim and eruv committees, and alongside a range of professionals,” he says. “But it can get lonely at times, especially when I’m walking for hours, measuring and checking for gaps. I was drawn to the conference by the chance to connect with like-minded people who share the same passion for this work. I valued the opportunities to network and exchange experiences and ideas, and it was especially nice meeting new friends from Argentina.”
Abenson also presented a session on London eruvin, which shocked the audience. The stark contrast between their expert construction and the organized management of the London Beit Din was a source of inspiration for his new North American colleagues.
This was Rabbi Dr. Yoni Robinson’s third time attending the conference. The Computer Science Chair at Lander College for Men is among those who check his community eruv in Kew Gardens Hills, New York, weekly and says the support he feels from fellow participants draws him back year after year.
“Sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges resonates with me,” he says. “Learning from poskim and seasoned eruv professionals about the shailos they encounter and their creative, practical solutions helps ensure the highest levels of kashrus.”
Among Rabbi Dr. Robinson’s favorite sessions was Unpublished Psakim from Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l heard by Rav Shimon Eider zt”l, presented by his son, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Eider.
“Hearing about unknown psakim of Rav Moshe zt”l that were relayed to Rav Shimon Eider zt”l was both useful and personally poignant,” says Rabbi Dr. Robinson. “I spent a summer with Rav Shimon Eider zt”l checking a camp eruv; it was my first foray into the complex topic of eruvin.”
This year, the conference honored three individuals for their major literary contributions, at a time when eruvin were new to Jewish communities in North America. The three honorees included Rav Shimon Eider zt”l, Rabbi Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer, and Dr. Bert Miller, each of whom produced foundational books and advised many communities in America and beyond.
“The laws of eruvin are vast and very complex and each honoree brought them down from shamayim, making them attainable,” says Rabbi Sarna. “Their works are invaluable because of their clarity and practicality.”
Reflecting on the conference’s success, the organizers are proud of the momentum eruvin has gained over the years.
“The community of eruv professionals has grown into a wonderful movement,” says Rabbi Gore. “Our participants go home with new energy and know-how to make their eruvin better. Now it’s in the hands of the community to step up.”
Rabbi Sarna adds, “The conference has created a snowball effect. The number of communities that have been strengthened and uplifted these past three years is remarkable. I’m confident that we will only continue to grow stronger from here.”
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About the Department of Halacha Initiatives
The Halacha Initiatives department strives to facilitate shmiras hamitzvos and halacha for communities and individuals. This is accomplished via the creation of innovative programs and software, halacha education, and community networks for sharing knowledge and experiences.
About the Orthodox Union
Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union (OU), or Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs.