The Torah prohibits carrying outside of an enclosed, private area on shabbat. In addition, carrying for purposes not necessary is prohibited on other Jewish holidays. Nevertheless, the area enclosed and considered private may vary in size from a small home to an entire community. The Talmud specifies exactly how the enclosure is to be made and how to render the entire area a private domain. Specifically, fences, wires and posts are used to create an enclosure, and the entire area is leased from the governmental authorities by the community. This is the first step in completing an eiruv.
The Great Neck Eiruv, in existence since 1975, encircles a significant area of the Great Neck peninsula and is administered by the Eiruv Association of Great Neck, an independent tax-exempt organization. Within the boundaries of the Eiruv it is permissible to carry, subject to certain limitations, on Shabbat and to carry unnecessary items on Yom Tov, providing that they are not muktzeh. The Eiruv is most helpful to families with young children who are permitted to wheel carriages or strollers within its boundaries. Also, wheelchairs, crutches and canes may be used if necessary.
It is permitted to carry only within these boundaries. Therefore, generally speaking, the boundary streets are to be considered outside the Eiruv.. For any questions about boundary streets or general questions about the Eruv, please email Chaim Yadlovker at . We ask you please to be careful to carry only within the boundaries that have been established. Swimming pools and tennis courts are to be considered off-limits.
Click here to see a detailed map of the Eruv.