The City of London has granted planning permission for the establishment of a new 'Eruv' on behalf of the Bevis Marks Synagogue, aiming to make Sabbath observance

more accessible for the Jewish community in the area.

The newly approved Eruv will significantly benefit individuals who observe the Sabbath. An Eruv is a symbolic extension of the private domain of Jewish households into public space, allowing certain activities that are typically prohibited on the Sabbath to be permitted within its boundaries.

The Eruv boundary will cover several locations in the City of London, including the Riverside Footpath Underneath Blackfriars Road Bridge, Ludgate Hill Junction with Ludgate Circus, Holborn Viaduct and Holborn Circus, Farringdon Street Junction with Charterhouse, and Goswell Road Junction with Baltic Street.

It is estimated that over 500 practicing Jews residing in the local area, belonging to various synagogue communities within the new Eruv, will benefit from this initiative. Additionally, the Eruv is expected to attract a greater number of visitors and tourists from around the world, encouraging them to visit the City for a weekend getaway or longer.

Shravan Joshi, Chairman of the City of London Corporation's Planning and Transportation Committee, expressed delight in approving the application, recognizing the diversity and contributions of the Jewish community in the City. Joshi stated that the decision aligns with the City's Destination City vision, aiming to make the Square Mile a welcoming visitor destination seven days a week, irrespective of one's faith.

Rabbi Shalom Morris of the Bevis Marks Synagogue emphasized the historical significance of the synagogue, which dates back to 1701 and is the oldest in the UK with over three centuries of continuous worship. The establishment of the Eruv will help maintain this continuity and further solidify the collaborative efforts between the synagogue and the City of London in safeguarding Bevis Marks Synagogue. Rabbi Morris also expressed hope for similar planning approvals from Islington and Hackney to proceed with the establishment of the Eruv. Photo by RoBalls at en.wikipedia