American Jewish Committee Supports Eruv in Tenafly, New Jersey

American Jewish Committee
Wednesday, 7 November 2001

The American Jewish Committee this week joined in an amicus brief filed with the Third Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of a group of Tenafly, New Jersey, residents seeking to maintain an eruv in their community.

The eruv, which consists of wire affixed by plastic strips to existing utility poles, allows freedom of movement on the Sabbath to those observant Jews who would otherwise be homebound, including handicapped or incapacitated people who depend on crutches or canes, and parents of toddlers who must be wheeled in strollers, since such activities are considered "carrying" under Jewish law and are impermissible on the Sabbath.

The residents, calling themselves the Tenafly Eruv Association, brought suit in federal district court when the Town refused permission for the eruv. Tenafly Eruv Association v. Borough of Tenafly is now on appeal to the Third Circuit after the district court ruled in favor of the Town.

"This is simply a matter of religious accommodation, not an issue of the government endorsing a particular religion in any way." said Jeffrey Sinensky, the American Jewish Committee's General Counsel and Legal Director. Furthermore, as stated in the amicus brief, "AJC is concerned that opposition to an eruv may be motivated by prejudices against Orthodox Jews that would be unacceptable against other minorities."

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org