The Miami Beach Eruv

Horizontal walls of a minimum height of ten handbreaths make up an enclosure. There exists complex rules concerning gaps larger than ten cubits. These gaps can be filled by poles connected from above with strings

Bread sufficient of two meals by the residents in the enclosure renders it as occupied by one large family. Two pounds of matzah are set aside for this purpose in one of the area synagogues. This applies for those Jewish families who are Shabbos observers, שכירת רשות is required. A 99 year lease is negotiated with municipal and county authorities for this purpose.

Of course, there are restrictions against moving objects that are Muktzah and to carry an umbrella even within the Eruv. It is also ruled not to drive a bicycle even within the Eruv.

The Eruv is inspected every Friday and Erev Yom Kippur. Our Eruv is ten miles long and three miles wide. The expense involved in inspection and maintenance is huge. These costs must be borne by all who use the Eruv no less than a home owner’s responsibility for mortgage and maintenance expenses, a leasee for rent payments and a visitor’s bills for hotel accommodations. To Use the Eruv without paying demeans a person’s integrity.