Plan for one of UK's biggest Jewish 'eruv' zones that will ring Golders Green ... trends now
A two-mile perimeter is set to be created around an area of North London to make it easier for Orthodox Jews to undertake tasks or carry items during the Sabbath.
Fishing wire would be suspended from tall poles to help create the boundary for what would become a huge eruv, acting as an extension of the walls of a home which would give more observant Jews greater freedom.
Under the plans submitted to London Borough of Barnet, the zone which will cover one of the biggest Jewish communities in the UK.
Whilst the plans have received huge support from the community, some locals are concerned the plans would be unfair to other religious groups.
The boundary is under the religious supervision of the head of the Federation of Synagogues, Rabbi Shrava Feigel Zimmerman.
The proposed eruv covers the majority of Golders Green, which is home to one of the UK's largest Jewish populations
Jewish community members say the eruv would be extremely helpful to the disabled and elderly who are often left in their homes from nightfall on Fridays until the same time on Saturday (file picture in North London)
31 poles, measuring around 5.5m high, would mark the boundary of the eruv in Golders Green
In a letter supporting the changes, Rabbi Zimmerman said the eruv will 'greatly enhance the quality of life for those living in the area'.
Jewish law prevents activities on the Sabbath that could be considered as work, including the use of wheelchairs and prams and the carrying of babies and keys outside of someone’s home or garden.
But Jewish community members say the eruv would be extremely helpful to the disabled and elderly who are often left in their homes from nightfall on Fridays until the same time on Saturday.
The eruv would be constructed with 31 5.5m poles located at various points around Brent Cross and Golders Green, with each pair connected with a length of fishing wire.
The poles would be supported by a number of green 'boxes', similar to cabinets housing electricity meters, which would be at the side of the road. These would contain barriers which would be stretched across the road for a short time once a year to symbolically seal it off to ensure the integrity of the eruv.
Writing in to Barnet Council's planning department, one member of the community, said: 'I wholeheartedly endorse this application, as it promises to bring about a substantial improvement in the quality of life for thousands of residents in the area and their families, particularly benefiting the vulnerable and disabled.'
Another added: 'I strongly support this application which will have a significant positive impact
