Valley Eruv Society - Valley Village California

Valley Eruv Society - Valley Village California - North Hollywood Eruv

The Valley Eruv will be FUNCTIONAL for this Shabbos - Please help support your community eruv!

Info-line: 818-759-7593
Updated Fridays after 2:30pm

POSTED 6/10/11 - 9:00am

The Valley Eruv has been rechecked this Friday morning, June 10th and is now Functional for Shabbos Beha'aloscha.

POSTED 6/6/11 - 7:00pm

The Valley Eruv is Functional for Shavuoth. It will be re-checked very early Friday morning to determine the status for Shabbos.

POSTED 6/2/11 - 3:00pm

This week proved that the present fix for the large area where the freeway fences were removed has worked. The Valley Eruv is intact, complete, and FUNCTIONAL for this Shabbos. Thank you for sending in your financial support. We continue to have expenses which need to be paid. If you use the Valley Eruv, make sure to donate to the Valley Eruv.

POSTED 5/27/11 - 7:00am

After a series of delays in substantiating the Valley Eruv status, we are please to confirm that the Valley Eruv is Functional for Shabbos. Your continued financial support is appreciated. If you use it, help support it.

POSTED 5/20/11 - 4:52pm

Thanks to the tireless efforts of our Eruv team and Rav Hamachsir, Rabbi Editliz, our Eruv will be functional this Shabbos.

POSTED 5/20/11 - 4:00pm

The Valley Eruv is experiencing major problems and is Not Functional at this time. Please note that we hope to have more information for this Shabbos after 4:30. You must check back as there is a great possibility that the eruv may not be functional this Shabbos.

POSTED 5/20/11 - 7:30am

We continue to work on resolving the weekly difficulty with our northern border at the Freeway fences. Under the excellent direction of , Rabbi Eidlitz, Rav HaMachshir, along with our administrative and repair teams, we are continuing to develop the longer term "fix". At this time we have already confirmed that the Valley Eruv monofilament lines are functional for this Shabbos, but the Valley Eruv is not yet usable for this Shabbos.
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As soon as we have confirmation that our northern boundary is halachikly proper, we will post the information on our: Web site: www.ValleyEruv.org; Facebook: Valley Eruv Society, Valley Village, CA; and our telephone Info-Line at (818) 759-7593.

Please check back after 2:30 p.m. today and remember that your donations keep the Valley Eruv running. We need those who use the Valley Eruv to donate today. Thank you.

POSTED 5/13/11 - 7:00am

It has been a very trying week attempting to have the Valley Eruv problem with the northern fences resolved and proper for Shabbos. We have had meetings, worked with our Rav Hamachshir, Rabbi Eidlitz, had numerous on site visits and issue analysis. After hours of work and examinations of the problem, Rabbi Eidlitz has figured out a longer term resolution. For this week we can now share that the Valley Eruv has spent about $1,500 to secure the eruv and will have permanent poles and monofilament lines along the area which is problematic. So, if all is examined, checked and rechecked, we hope that this repair and boundary change will give us a couple years of piece of mind. Then we still will need to check the entire boundary every week as we do.

POSTED 5/11/11 - 2:00pm

At this time, we have checked all parts of the Valley Eruv. The major section of fences in the north of the Valley Eruv are NOT functional. Again, we can expect a last minute review, just as last week. We do not have access to those locations of missing fences until after 3 p.m. Friday. Therefore, we cannot assume the Valley Eruv is funtional until on site confirmation. After 4:00 p.m., PLEASE check the Valley Eruv in one of three ways - (1) Info-line at (818) 759-7593; (2) on Facebook (Valley Eruv Society of Valley Village, CA) or our best information resource on our web site at www.ValleyEruv.org. Please make certain that you verify the status of the Valley Eruv. Do not use or have your constituants or friends use the Valley Eruv until they have verified that it is functional for this Shabbos.

POSTED 5/6/11 - 8:00am

The Valley Eruv will be having weekly challenges for the next 4 years while Cal Trans will be expanding a huge section adjacent to the Freeway. We are hoping to work through a resolution, but that will require financial support. At this moment, the Valley Eruv is not functional for Shabbos. Please check back after 4 p.m. today.

After 3 p.m., we will be able to recheck and hopefully complete the work needed to make the Valley Eruv kosher for this shabbos. Every week it is costing the Valley Eruv over $250 dollars.

POSTED 4/29/11 - 4:10pm

Rabbi Eidlitz, our Rav HaMachshir and Reb Yitzchak Feiglin have been able to resolve the monofilament line problem and as of 4:10 p.m., the Valley Eruv is now FUNCTIONAL for this Shabbat Kedoshim. Please make sure to support the Valley Eruv with your donations.

POSTED 4/29/11 - 1:30pm

This week it may be a close one.

Aside from The Valley Eruv new "open fencing" issue for Shabbos, there is a remotely located monofilament line which is seriously bowed and is causing a major problem. We are now hoping that the Valley Eruv Rav HaMachshir, Rabbi Eidlitz, will be able to review, paskin and recommend a possible repair to the sitatuation. At this time the Valley Eruv is NOT FUNCTIONAL, yet. Of course, if we are able, we will work to repair the Valley Eruv. Remember, it is not usable now. PLEASE make sure to check back after 4:30 p.m.

POSTED 4/29/11 - 10:00am

The Valley Eruv is being rechecked this morning as we have a 4 year change in the situation on the northern Valley Eruv Border. Please check back after 3 p.m., today.

POSTED 4/22/11

4:30pm

The Valley Eruv Society is pleased to thank R' Josh Bregman and R' Yitzy Feiglin for leading the repair team for the Valley Eruv this week. Also, we wish to thank Dovid Lintz and Hillel, Simcha, and Moshe Striks for their committment to the community and assistance in repairing the Valley Eruv.

Due to their extraordinary efforts, the Valley Eruv is FUNCTIONAL for this Shabbos.

POSTED 4/22/11

At 3:00 p.m a team of six community volunteers who are experienced in the halachos and repair of our Valley Eruv commenced the overwhelming process of rebuilding a quarter mile of open, unconnected eruv border space. This is a gargantuan task. Our six volunteers are presently working with the parameters set down by our Rav HaMachshir, Rabbi Eidlitz.

REMEMBER - the Valley Eruv is NOT FUNCTIONAL at this time. Until the work is finished, inspected and a halachik determination made that it meets the full Halachik requirements, we do not have a working Eruv.

POSTED 4/21/11

This early morning, Chol HaMoed Pesach, the Valley Eruv has been checked carefully. We have discovered that there is construction work being conducted in one area and that a 50 yard portion of the Valley Eruv poles and monofilament line has been removed. At this time we do not have a solution to this challenge for this coming Shabbos. We are working on it right now. Please make sure that you do not rely on the Valley Eruv, yet. We will update our Website, Facebook status and Info-Line as soon as there is further information. At this time the Valley Eruv is NOT FUNCTIONAL for this coming Shabbos.

POSTED 3/25/11

After the expense and repairs to the monofilament lines, The Valley Eruv is now functional for this Shabbos. Please make sure to financially support our Valley Eruv. A good Shabbos.

POSTED 3/24/11

Please be aware that the Valley Eruv is presently not functional due to downed monofilement lines. This has already been called in for repairs, but we do not know if the repairs will be made due to the rain interfering. Therefore, please make sure that your constituency knows that they must confirm the status of the Valley Eruv this week PRIOR to use.

POSTED 3/11/11

During the past week the high winds took down a small portion of the Valley Eruv rendering it posul. The broken section has since been repaired and reinspected. Please send in your contribution to the VALLEY ERUV. We are trying to make sure that our Valley Eruv is FUNCTIONAL for every Shabbos. Remember, there are now many eruvs in the greater Los Angeles area, only donations to The VALLEY ERUV support our community eruv. Send donations to P. O. Box 4201, Valley Village, CA 91617. Your help is needed. Always check that the Valley Eruv is FUNCTIONAL for Shabbos.

POSTED 11/8/10

1) The Valley Eruv Society increased its Board of Directors with new younger members to help run the Valley Eruv. If you are interested in attending our Board meetings, please email - info@ValleyEruv.org , we want to hear from you.

POSTED 10/29/10

1) IMPORTANT UPDATE: 10/29/10
As of 11 a.m., today, Friday, we are still in the process of repairing the Valley Eruv. There is a new longer pole required and new strings for three site in the same area to also be repaired. We still hope to have the Valley Eruv repaired and inspected in time for Shabbos, IY"H.

POSTED 10/04/10

1) People have asked to know more about the beginnings of the Valley Eruv Society. We started with a 5 people organizing and gaining permits and civic authorizations which then took us about five years to build, install, complete and have halachik approval.

Tales from the Valley Eruv Society:
People have asked to know more about the beginnings of the Valley Eruv Society. We started with a 5 people organizing and gaining permits and civic authorizations which then took us about five years to build, install, complete and have halachik approval. We began our organization, the Valley Eruv Society, in 1983 and learned about the process to get a real, halachik, usable community Eruv. We needed some funds and went around to the community and some people had faith and donated to our cause.

Truly, it seems that most people don’t realize the Valley Eruv does not usually gain much community financial support.

The Valley Eruv has a greater than 90% use by the overall community.

Only about 20% of the community have donated to the Valley Eruv in the last 5 years.

This week we spent about $1,350 for heat related line repairs. It has basically wiped out the money in the Valley Eruv checking account.

· Each and every family which uses the Valley Eruv, should help support it.

· There are many ways a household uses the Valley Eruv: When there are guests visiting, carrying food to Shabbos lunch; bringing seforim to learn; helping someone who needs a wheelchair or walker to get to shul.

· It costs money to maintain the monofilament lines, the poles, and to repair and replace our community eruv when hit by cars, damaged in many ways, and even being battered by extreme heat.

· In this new year, please take the time now, write your check or PayPal for $52 to help support our community Valley Eruv.

It is every households’ responsibility to share in the support of the Valley Eruv, please do so today.

A minimum of $52 per household per year.

POSTED 07/01/10

1) We are continuing to upgrade the Valley Eruv to the new and increased standards as required. We are continuing to check and recheck the new installations and are now waiting for updated rabbinic approvals. Please send in your donations of $52 or more to support our Valley Eruv.

POSTED 06/23/10

1)    1) The new upgrades are moving along and being completed at a rapid pace.

2) It seems that the Valley Eruv is undoubtedly a forgotten step-child to the community, as it works so well for 95+% of the time, people will go years without sending in a donation. It is most ironic that those want it the most have not been supporting it with money to keep it going.

3) We have paid one vendor $5,500 for supplies and some work-to-date. This vendor’s total will be around $10,500. Remember this amount does not include repairs and other costs. The Valley Eruv account balance is about $7.23. For review - we still owe $2000 for the week of June 7^th; $3000 or more for the week of June 14^th for the big fence repair; $5000 for the balance of the upgrade; and a miscellaneous amounts of $1500. We need $8000 immediately, and $3500 within the next 10 days or so.

4) YOU can make the difference. Make sure your shul’s leadership announce the Valley Eruv financial needs in every minyon. Make sure you and your friends talk it up and simply remind each other to donate NOW, before Shabbos.

5) Get everyone to read the Valley Eruv updated on the www.ValleyEruv.org web site.

6) Anyone who carries to a shul, a house, or wheels a stroller or wheelchair must help out and donate now to the Valley Eruv.

POSTED 06/18/10

Explanations:

1) At great expense, the Valley Eruv Society has completely corrected the 300 foot broken portion on the north side of our Valley Eruv. It is now completely acceptable for the highest standards of an eruv.

2) We have begun to upgrade the 30 or so appointed sites according to the new “p’sak din” as related by our Valley Eruv Posik, Rav Moshe Heinemann, sh’lita.

3) Please make sure that you donate to our Valley Eruv immediately. We will have spent over $23,000 during these three weeks to upgrade our community eruv.

The Valley Eruv is everyone’s responsibility. Please donate now or the Valley Eruv could be coming down. At this time we have outstanding bills for last week, $1,900; this week $3,000 and next week about $7,000. There are other bills which will come in as well. Last week and this week we have issued upgrade checks for $992, $2,000 and $1,500 = total $4,492, spent. The balance in the Valley Eruv account as of Thursday, June 17^th was $174. Your help is required, please!

POSTED 06/17/10

UPDATE on the Valley Eruv Progress, Thursday, June 17^th.

1)   The 300 foot break in the north end of the Valley Eruv are being closed up with high grade repairs. This issue has been the focus of repairs all day on Wednesday (6/16) and will continue to progress through Friday. We are making all efforts and hope for a positive outcome Friday midday. Realize please that it is not acceptable and functional for Shabbos at this time.

2)   Today (6/17) we must leave a $3,500 deposit for the supplies and materials to begin the installation of numerous upgrades which have to commence prior to Shabbos to keep our mandated time schedule. Our Valley Eruv Checker is working continually with the vendor to direct the work from a halachik standpoint.

3)   The Valley Eruv Society, the Valley Eruv Checkers and especially our eruv Rav HaMachshir, Rabbi Eidlitz are working diligently to try to have a functional and acceptable Valley Eruv for this Shabbos. Please do not take that for granted. Everyone must check the status of the Valley Eruv prior to Shabbos.

4)   Checking is easy – just check the web site.

Tizku L’mitzvos,

Yisroel Blumenstein

POSTED 06/15/10

Some people may be confused about the good things happening at the Valley Eruv. I hope this email will help to clarify things. If you have questions, please email them to Info@ValleyEruv.org and we will try to answer as quickly as possible. All of our efforts are focused to bring the Valley Eruv to the highest halachik level.

A)   The Valley Eruv is upgrading, these changes are being worked on at present. We have sought the expertise of Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, sh’lita, as our Valley Eruv posek (halachik expert). Whenever such an important change is made, there is a period of readjustment. This is based on each posek’s halachik decisions. We will now abide with Rabbi Heinemann’s answers to any Halachik questions. The methodology is that any issues or questions we face for the Valley Eruv are now asked to our Rav HaMachshir, Rabbi Eliezer Eidlitz, and if needed, he refers the matter to Rabbi Heinemann.

B)   Therefore, in the change we have the directive to repair any items, not just with a “band aid”, but completely. We will need a great deal of money quickly to correct any previously repaired items. Last week we began the immense task and everything in the Valley Eruv is being rechecked to make it 100% acceptable in accordance with Rabbi Eidlitz and Rabbi Heinemann’s instructions.

C)   On a separate item, right now the Valley Eruv has a series of large holes in a fence at the northern sector (probably from car crashes and homeless).   We are working with our vendor that the repairs be made immediately; but it will not be fixed and inspected prior to late Thursday, if we are fortunate. Note: It is very possible we will not be corrected and functional for this Shabbos. Please make sure to plan accordingly. This one item alone will cost approximately $3000 to repair; the estimate is about a 300 foot opening which will require new poles and all the additional lines and hardware. Temporary repairs have been maintaining the Valley Eruv as FUNCTIONAL. Now we need to upgrade it to permanent repairs.

D) Last week we spent $2,900 to check, recheck and have Rabbi Heinemann inspect our Valley Eruv.

E)   We need your financial participation, now. Please make sure that you become an ambassador to your friends in the community. Please check that everyone you know helps and supports the Valley Eruv. Donations can be made via our web site or mail checks directly.

F)   Think about not using the Valley Eruv, that will be the reality if we do not have the means to do the necessary work.

G) Lastly, there are very many people who want to make beautiful and meaningful suggestions. At this time, we must act, first. The financial support for the Valley Eruv is paramount. Then we can put together new and creative ways to create a better support mechanism. As president of the Valley Eruv since its inception in 1983, it is unfortunate that very few people have stepped up and sent in checks when requested. We know that the Valley Eruv is taken for granted because it runs without issues over 90% of the time.

H) Just remember what it was like prior to having an eruv in our community. Give today, give now.

Thank you, Yisroel Blumenstein

POSTED 06/11/10

From Rabbi Eliezer Eidlitz
Valley Eruv Society, Rav HaMachshir

Dear Community,

As you probably are aware, the Valley Eiruv was constructed over 20 years ago after many years of hard work by Mr. Yisroel Blumenstein, Rabbi Aron Tendler and others. Many years ago it was enlarged for safety reasons and now uses many fences, walls, and Tzuras Hapesach (string) in many locations. The Eiruv is over 25 miles long, and the area of Tzuras Hapesach is checked each week, with the walls and fences checked a few times a year. At times, homeless people, car crashes, etc., remove sections of fence which have to be replaced or repaired. The many areas of Tzruras Hapesach with 80 lb. monofilament (fishing-type) line must be replaced   every couple of years due to becoming brittle from the sun.

Two years ago I accepted the Halachic responsibility of working with the Eruv Checkers and Mr. Blumenstein in maintaining the Kosher status of our Eiruv. At this point (June 11, 2010), I am confident that the Eruv is proper and acceptible, as determined by Rabbi Aron Tendler and according to his father Rabbi Moshe Tendler, and as it has been for the past 22 years. Rabbi Moshe Tendler had consulted with Rav Moshe Feinstein, Z"tzl, during the course of the Valley Eruv's original design and construction.

At my request, this week the Eiruv committee brought Rabbi Moshe Heineman to the Valley Eruv to meet with myself, Josh Bregman and Boruch Gore, two of the most expert checkers over the past years. We went over the many pictures, presentations, as well as actual visitation of the many locations of the Eruv. Rabbi Heineman suggested that we upgrade the Eruv to even further enhance its adherence to the more stringent halachic requirements of some Poskim.

We have already begun to do so, and hope to complete this soon. This upgrade in Halacha could be done quickly if we have the funds. Having expended over $3,000.00 this week, there are no funds available to proceed. I will be able to remain involved as of next week, only if upgrades are made. I urge everyone to realize that we will be able to do the corrections only by the community's immediate financial participation. We look forward to working together with the leadership of Mr. Blumenstein and the Valley Eruv board of director’s participation to accomplish this goal in the very near future.

Rabbi Eliezer Eidlitz

POSTED 06/03/10

The Valley Eruv Society is pleased to announce the esteemed Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, sh’lita, will be speaking at the Emek Bais Medrash, at 6:45 p.m., Wednesday, June 9^th, at 12732 Chandler Blvd.

POSTED 01/01/10

The broken monofilament lines have been fixed and the Valley Eruv Checkers along with our Rav HaMachshir, Rav Eidlitz, have inspected the repairs to declare the Valley Eruv is FUNCTIONAL for this Shabbos. The entire community is truly in debt for the work of the esteemed Rav HaMachshir, Valley Eruv inspectors, and Administration of the Valley Eruv who work diligently week-to-week to provide our community with a proper community Eruv.

POSTED 12/30/10

Eruv Update 12/30/2009 1:30pm:
Once again the Valley Eruv is down and the administration, Rav Hamachshir and Valley Eruv checkers are directly involved in repairing and instructing how to correct. There are two monofilament lines down in one area. Usually this kind of break is caused by a large truck with a tall cargo snapping the monofilament lines which cross major intersections. Whenever we have any Eruv break, we begin immediately to work on repairing the problem. At this time the Valley Eruv is down. Please make certain to check back and make sure the Valley Eruv is functional prior to using it this Shabbos. Please send in your donations now! YOU can still get your 2009 tax write off.

POSTED 12/23/10

Eruv Update 12/23/2009 2:10pm:
In order to make our Valley Eruv kosher for this week we had to repair a street pole which was taken down by a car. After that we needed to replace the monofilament lines which connect the pole to the other parts of the Valley Eruv. All of this costs a great deal of money and many individuals’ time.

POSTED 11/26/10

Eruv Update 11/26/2009 6:00pm:
We are pleased to announce that our Valley Eruv checkers were able to certify the Valley Eruv had no issues this week despite the heavy winds. Please consider making your donations today.

POSTED 11/6/10

We are pleased to announce that our eruv checkers were able to certify the Valley Eruv had no issues this week and was completely Kosher and Functional for this Shabbos. We would like to thank our two excellent eruv inspectors, the board of directors and all those who have donated to the Valley Eruv recently. Please consider a minimum of two $36.00 donations per year, one at Pesach and one at Rosh HaShanah. That way our Valley Eruv will continue to be viable.

October 30, 2009 3:34 p.m.
The Valley Eruv is FUNCTIONAL and KOSHER for this Shabbos. The Valley Eruv had been checked in preparation for the week, then with the winds on Tuesday and Wednesday every party of the Valley Eruv needed to be thoroughly rechecked. This was a major undertaking. Though all the monofilament lines were in order, branches and debris were on the lines and until they were removed the Valley Eruv could not be deemed KOSHER and FUNCTIONAL.

October 23, 2009 2:00 p.m.
The professional Valley Eruv repair crews informed us that there was a vehicle accident which took down the Valley Eruv lines Friday morning, 10/16. In addition to bringing down our Valley Eruv, this accident pulled out all the existing monofilament lines at that location. The problem was exacerbated as there were absolutely no lines to re-attach last Friday. There was truly no way to have predicted or prevented this first time ever situation. I wish to remind everyone that the Valley Eruv has only been down once on Shabbos in its 21 years.

October 16, 2009
The Valley Eruv has suffered two breaks on the Valley Eruv monofilament lines this Friday, Erev Shabbos. As of 3:30p.m, it looks nearly impossible to fix the Valley Eruv in time for Shabbos. It is very important to know that every effort is being made to repair the breaks and at the same time inform the community that the Valley Eruv is not functional. We are working on both situations. In the event that the Valley Eruv is repaired prior to candle lighting, we will post it to the web site. At this time we do not believe we will be able to fix the broken lines – but we are truly putting in mammoth efforts to accomplish the repairs.

August 28, 2009
On Friday, August 28th, members of the Valley Eruv Society support team replaced a huge gap in the Eruv line. Rabbi Eidlitz, our Rav HaMachshir and Mr. Steve Darrison are in the picture assisting. Both Tzali Wachsman and Yitzchak Feiglin were also there assisting. This was truly an amazing chesid, otherwise the Valley Eruv would not have been FUNCTIONAL for this past Shabbos. We have a great deal of work to complete so that the Valley Eruv will be kosher for the coming weeks. Now is the time for all families and community members to financial support the Valley Eruv. Please click on donations and send in your generous donations today. Sincerest thanks, Yisroel Blumenstein, President, Valley Eruv Society and the entire Valley Eruv Board of Directors.

Photos courtesy of Yitzchok Feiglin

Our Valley Eruv supporters fixing the huge area of downed lines prior to Shabbos on Friday, August 28th . Rabbi Eidlitz to check the line reconstructions, Steve Darrision, Tzali Wachsman, and Yitzy Feiglin assisting, climbing and working with the cherry picker lift. And, the additional workers who helped with the repairs.

July 1, 2009
Did you know that there was a major technical problem with our community Eruv being kosher last week? What would have done if it wasn’t functional last Shabbos? We need your support. Thank G-d it all worked out. It takes a lot of work from many people who volunteer the time. We have many people to thank: the Eruv checkers, like Hillel Striks; community members such as Aaron Striks, Tzali Wachsman, Steve Darrison, Eli Trainer, and especially to Rabbi Eidlitz and Reb David Striks. Of course, the Valley Eruv board of directors works tirelessly on an ongoing basis to make sure that the Eruv is maintained at all levels. And thank you to those who have sent in a donation to support our Valley Eruv. If you haven’t yet sent in your check, please remember to write that donation check and send it in today! The Valley Eruv needs your tzedakah contribution.

February 2009
In February/March 2009, the Valley Eruv had replaced the complete perimeter lengths of monofilament lines, at an original bid of $25,000. We were able to pay less due to the work being completed in the installer’s slow season. Since then we have suffered a series of general and common maintenance issues. The Valley Eruv, like all Eruvim, require weekly inspection and responses. Beginning weekly on Wednesday through every Erev Shabbos, every week; there are many people who quietly work behind the scenes to make sure the Valley Eruv is “FUNCTIONAL” for each Shabbos. Until the web site, www.ValleyEruv.org, is updated to FUNCTIONAL, the Valley Eruv lines are checked, repaired where necessary, rechecked, re-inspected, and the Valley Eruv inspectors, Rav HaMachshir, and administrators and eruv board are called upon for their special services to the eruv. We have community leaders who are anxious to help when their expertise is useful. All this is coordinated on a weekly “as needed” basis. And this happens quietly without fanfare on a weekly basis. Please think about making a donation to support the Valley Eruv. We need your financial participation, today. Thank you.

July 5, 2007
Over the past few weeks the Valley Eruv has suffered from a number of issues which would render it possul (invalid) for use on Shabbos. Each week there are specially trained Valley Eruv checkers who take the time to review the entire length of the Valley Eruv to insure it's integrity for community use on Shabbos. There are decisions which need to be made each week. Is the "question" about the eruv a small issue and not sufficient to possul the eruv, or is there a problem which is serious and must be repaired prior to anyone carrying within the boundaries of the Valley Eruv? This will require numerous people involved including the Rav HaMachshir, Rabbi Eidlitz.

Over both of the last two weeks, we had two separate items which possuled the eruv, and a few other items which needed attention but did not invalidate the eruv. The cost of these prior two weeks of repair is in excess of $2,500.

It is not a whim that the Valley Eruv Board and our Rav HaMachshir request that anyone carrying must check that the Valley Eruv is functional prior to each Shabbos. It is relatively simple to do this. You can check the Valley Eruv web site at www.ValleyEruv.org, or you can call the Valley Eruv Info-line at (818) 763-4395. If you have questions for the Valley Eruv, please email them to us. You can also donate via the web site or send your donations to: Valley Eruv Society, P. O. Box 4201, Valley Village, CA 91617. Your financial support is both necessary and greatly appreciated.

May 4, 2007
A few of the Valley Eruv supporters have asked what happens to check the Eruv weekly and what happens when it has been down. I guess the best way to inform is to simply share what happened last week. On April 20, 2007, our Valley Eruv was down in one spot. We still had a problem in a second location which needed to be rectified. What do we do when the ERUV is down? How do we know how to state that the Valley Eruv is functional?

The Valley Eruv is checked at least one time each week before Shabbat. Last week, on Thursday, April 19th, two of the Valley Eruv Volunteer checking crew reviewed every bit of the Eruv, weekly. When they checked the Eruv, they found a portion of our Eruv line which was down near Victory Boulevard west of the 170 Freeway. We immediately called the licensed company which is permitted to restring portions of our Valley Eruv. They started the repairs around 8:00 a.m., Friday morning. Since there were 4 other locations to double check, too, we received a call to let us know that the Eruv was completely fixed and re-strung around 1:20 p.m.

Now it gets turned back over to us. The Valley Eruv Volunteer checkers who originally found the problems where recalled and asked to recheck the portions which they reported down. This took until about 3:10 p.m. The whole time we are all in contact with one another. About 3:10 the Valley Eruv was checked, rechecked and certified "FUNCTIONAL" for that Shabbat.

Thanks for asking, we will try to keep you updated when there are problems with our Valley Eruv. A good Shabbos, Shabbat Shalom.