Serving the Cincinnati Jewish community
The Cincinnati Eruv
An eruv transforms our neighborhood into a single private domain, permitting carrying on Shabbos within its boundaries. Check the map, see the latest status, and help keep it standing.
Eruv boundary map
The shaded area shows the eruv's approximate boundary. When in doubt near an edge, err on the side of caution. The downloadable PDF is the authoritative reference.
Map boundary & institution markers are approximate and shown for orientation. Always rely on the official PDF.
What is an eruv?
On Shabbos, Jewish law prohibits transferring objects between a private domain and a public domain, and carrying within a public domain. An eruv is a boundary — using existing walls, fences, and specially prepared poles and wires — that halachically merges an area into one private domain, permitting carrying within it on Shabbos and Yom Kippur.
The Cincinnati Eruv encloses the neighborhoods where our community lives, so families can carry keys, bring food to one another, and push strollers and wheelchairs to shul on Shabbos.
Rabbinic oversight
The eruv is endorsed by Rabbi Moshe Heinemann (administrator of Star-K), who conducts a personal survey roughly every ten years, under the oversight of the Cincinnati Beis Din.
- Weekly checks by Rabbi Michoel Stern
- Monthly maintenance by Rabbi Baruch Berger
- Quarterly thorough checks by David Alden, Rabbi Chaim Heinemann & Izy Newmark
- As needed repairs by David Alden
Good to know
Can I always rely on the eruv?
The eruv is checked regularly, but its status can change due to weather, construction, or utility work. Validity can never be fully guaranteed — check the status above (or call the hotline) before relying on it each Shabbos.
What about apartment buildings?
The eruv works for residents of apartment buildings. For multi-family dwellings, a separate eruv within the building is also recommended. Consult your rav with questions.
Does the eruv permit everything on Shabbos?
No. The eruv only addresses the prohibition of carrying. All other Shabbos laws and the sanctity of the day remain fully in force.
How do I get status alerts?
Weekly status is posted to the CincinnatiShuls listserv, and a hotline is available at (513) 351-3788. To join the automated call list, email contact@cincinnatieruv.org.
Support the eruv
The eruv costs roughly $10,000 a year to inspect, maintain, and repair. It runs entirely on community support.
A gift of $54 sponsors a Shabbos in honor of a loved one or a simcha. Every contribution helps keep the eruv standing.
$54
Sponsor a Shabbos
Donate via PayPalTax-deductible. Mail checks to
PO Box 37303, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Contact
- Hotline (513) 351-3788
- Email contact@cincinnatieruv.org
- Mail PO Box 37303, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Matzah box Rabbi Avrohom Weinrib's office, Congregation Zichron Eliezer, 2455A Section Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237
Board members
- David Alden
- Steven Klein
- Rabbi Baruch Berger
- Izy Newmark
- Rabbi Dovid Tzvi Meissner
- Rabbi Chaim Heinemann