Town Tells Jewish Organization To Remove Eruv Markers

MAHWAH, NJ — Township officials are fighting back against what they and residents are calling "prohibited" and "illegal" markers hung on utility lines.

The South Monsey Eruv Fund of Spring Valley, New York, has installed an eruv using PVC pipes on utility poles in town, which is prohibited under a municipal ordinance. The designated pipes in the eruv are the same as signs, which may not be placed on trees, rocks or utility poles.

An eruv symbolically extends the private domain of Jewish households into public areas. Orthodox Jews living within an eruv are allowed to participate in activities within it that are normally forbidden in public on the Sabbath.

Michael J. Kelly, the township's zoning officer, sent a letter to the fund stating that installing the eruv "constitutes a prohibited activity and is therefore a violation" of the township ordinance.

The eruv has been marked on East Mahwah, Masonicus and Sparrowbush roads and Airmont Avenue, Kelly said in the letter.

Kelly states that the eruv must begin being removed by July 28 and it must be completely removed by Aug. 4. If the deadlines are not met, Kelly said it will be recommended that summonses be issued. Kelly also wants notification in writing when the removal begins.

Mayor William Laforet directed Kelly to take action regarding the eruv.

"This sends a very strong messages to those who choose to violate our sign ordinances," Laforet said in a statement Friday.

Residents created an online petition demanding that Rockland Electric remove the eruv and prohibit any future installations. More than 730 people have signed it.

"I love the community of Mahwah and the way we all take care of it," user Jenny C. stated on the petition. "I absolutely do not want this beautiful town to look like Rockland County!! #MAHWAHSTRONG!!!"

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