Few other than Orthodox Jews would recognize the word "eruv." Fewer still would recognize its physical embodiment let alone comprehend its function. But when proponents ask a town for consent to erect one, controversy at times erupts. In recent years, Westhampton Beach, N.Y., and its neighboring communities on Long Island, Quogue and Southampton, have been caught up in a battle over whether to allow an eruv to be built within their precincts. Now, while even children in the area are likely familiar with the term, eruvin remain a focus of fear, misunderstanding and hostility among residents, including some Jews.
Opponents express concerns that an eruv would become a magnet for Orthodox families. They raise such specters as forced closure of shops on Saturdays (highly unlikely in weekend and summer destinations), a steep decline in property values and a change in the "character" of the community. Two federal lawsuits raising constitutional and statutory issues relating to the conflict have recently been given a green light to proceed to trial. (A third was dismissed.) Whatever the outcome, the underlying five-year conflict risks leaving permanent scars on the body politic.
This content has been archived. It is available through our partners, LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law.
To view this content, please continue to their sites.
Not a Lexis Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law are third party online distributors of the broad collection of current and archived versions of ALM's legal news publications. LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law customers are able to access and use ALM's content, including content from the National Law Journal, The American Lawyer, Legaltech News, The New York Law Journal, and Corporate Counsel, as well as other sources of legal information.
For questions call 1-877-256-2472 or contact us at [email protected]
