Flatbush, Brooklyn,Ita Yankovich

Question: Do you hold by the Flatbush eruv?

No. I follow the Sephardi minhag that does not support the Flatbush eruv. The Sephardic community is split on this issue. The right-wing Sephardis do not carry on Shabbos. The reason I don't believe in it is that Brooklyn is simply too big for an eruv. It would be difficult to monitor the wire and assure that it is kosher all the time and in all places.

Estherina Tafrizi, shadchan and HASC counselor

Yes and no. I lived in Seagate for a while and there we had an eruv and I guess I got accustomed to the freedom it provides. Currently, I live in Boro Park where it's still very much of a controversy. Personally, I carry; but out of respect for others I choose not to when I'm in certain neighborhoods or visiting people who don't accept the eruv.

Shifra Herbst, former Touro College professor

No. The Shulchan Aruch is very strict and clear about not carrying on Shabbos, so I don't. On Yomim Tovim I carry objects related to food. If I had young children, though, and wanted them to attend shul, I would delve deeper into the subject.

Shoshanna Levi, high school teacher

Yes. The rabbi I hold by endorses it and believes it's accessible, so I fully support and believe in the eruv.

Bernice Blumer, fundraiser

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