Do you live in an Eruv?

Borehamwood eruv. Click for larger image.

You have to hand it to the Jewish faith. Nobody can bend the rules and religion to suit their lifestyle the way they do.

An Eruv is a religious boundary that allows followers of the faith to do things within its area on a Sabbath that they would not be permitted to do should they follow their religion according to the book.

Things like, carry anything, even your house keys and baby are not permitted outside the Eruv. So in order to do the usual normal things of life, they have come up with a solution. They enclose an area within a notional boundary marked by walls and wires on six metre poles. Within this area they can behave as they do on any other day. Who pays for the poles? Ratepayers.

Now let me make it clear. I am not attacking the eruv on religious grounds. I am attacking it as a divider of neighbours who are and are not Jewish.

There are many eruvs in Our Country, the latest is one that surrounds Borehamwood. Irregardless of whether or not you are Jewish, if you live in Borehamwood, you are now effectively living within a Jewish enclave.

Now despite many objections from non Jews giving various reasons, planning permission was granted and now many residents feel that their wishes have been overruled. Many Christians are not happy that their places of worship are now contained within another religions boundaries.

Mr Terry Sanderson of the National Secular had the following statements to make about the eruvs.

“This is another example of excessive religious correctness. Whatever the religious want, they get, however foolish and potentially dangerous it might be. This eruv is supposed to relieve orthodox Jews from the need to observe self-imposed restrictions. Many don’t allow themselves to carry keys, for instance, or push babies in prams or even use walking sticks on the supposed Sabbath. But they believe that if they are within this special wire boundary they can be excused the need to observe such rules – rules which make no sense in the first place. “

“While other boroughs and towns are trying to reduce the number of roadside distractions and impediments, Hertsmere has added to them quite unnecessarily. These poles are a nuisance and a danger. Personally I can’t get my head round how anyone can think that the acceptability of behaviour can be determined by the erection of a few poles and wires.”

You could even take the view of some residents that the motivation was more to do with making a religious statement as to show how powerful the religion is and who is really in charge.

Some other famous eruvs are The White House and the European Court of Human Rights. Why not try a google search for eruv on images. You would be surprised how many there are.

The British National Party would not grant planning permission to any religion that sought to create a religious divide by the creation of physical barriers no matter how symbolic. The BNP believes in the freedom of all true religions but believes that Great Britain is a Christian Country and that should be respected by all.

Tags: British National Party, BNP, eruvs, borehamwood