kfarcenter.com Blog

An Orthodox synagogue in Los Angeles is petitioning to put up an eruv that would run along scenic Venice Beach. The issue is that California law protects public views and habitats for nesting birds. Beachfront residents and environmentalist are using this law to try and stop the installation of the eruv.

This is not a new battle between Orthodox Jews and their secular neighbors. Every time neighborhoods change and Orthodox Jews move into new communities, both sides face this issue. Non-Jewish neighbors and secular residents usually cry foul by using the separation-of –church-and-state argument, but in this case Jews are challenging a law that has been on the books for some time.

The city approved the eruv in areas not along the beach and residents have not minded. The remaining battle for the Orthodox community is to link the already existing eruv to the beach front to complete the biblically symbolic wall.

I think the neighbors have a legitimate complaint regarding protecting nesting birds and the unobstructed scenic integrity of Venice Beach. No other special interests or religious entities have been allowed, so why should Orthodox Jews?

This is not a battle between church and state, but a battle for respecting the rights of others who do not hold the same beliefs as you. My suggestion is that the Orthodox community find an alternative, such as having the eruv run along a route that does not break the law. It’s that simple.

I am an observant and passionate Jew and believe in standing up for the rights of my fellow Jews, but not at the expense of undermining the rest of the community for which I share. I would join an eruv battle if it respects the rights of others, but, in this case, no way. If this law does pass and the eruv is permitted for the first time to obstruct the scenic view and endanger the habitat of birds, it will do Jews a tremendous disservice.

Then it will be a Chillul Hashem for sure.