An eruv (עירוב) is a virtual enclosure that defines a larger space as “home”, allowing ultra orthodox Jews to carry on activities otherwise forbidden on Shabbat. The fact is that on Saturday, according to the Talmud, observant Jews are not allowed to carry anything, once they get out of home! Anything, means literally anything, including keys, medicines, or even babies! And there are also many other activities that are forbidden!
So, to solve the problem on how to be allowed to get out of home on Shabbat, the concept of eruv was introduced. That is, a portion of the city, usually a quarter or a neighborhood, is enclosed in a virtual space. The enclosure is defined by existing walls, bridges, train lines. Where these structures are not present, a rope or a wire are used to demarcate the eruv. In modern Jewish the term eruv often refers to the rope itself that creates this symbolic area.
If you look carefully when walking around Antwerp, you may discover many interesting things that otherwise would go unnoticed. Antwerp’s eruv is one of these. Did you ever see it before?
Beautiful Antwerp 