ByJay Grenby, Jay Grenby
An eruv covering most of the Jewish residential areas in Stanmore and Canons Park could be operational by the end of June.
Construction of the religious boundary began this week and - if there are no unforeseen hitches - will be completed within the month. This leaves a further four weeks for essential inspection and testing before the eruv is ready for use.
The anticipated swift installation is largely due to the choice of route. Ninety per cent of the 11-mile perimeter is made up of pre-existing boundaries, requiring few poles and wires to fill the gaps.
An important feature is its shared boundary with the Edgware eruv along Stonegrove. This will enable both Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue members living on the Edgware side and Edgware Yeshurun congregants residing in Canons Park to carry essential items or push prams, buggies or wheelchairs to shul.
The project has been masterminded by the Stanmore Synagogue eruv committee with the help of the London Beth Din. Committee spokesman Jeffrey Baker claims everything possible has been done to avert potential problems. Advance briefings had been given to Harrow Council, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure agreement on procedure.
Stanmore members have mainly funded the £130,000 construction cost, with additional contributions from the Yeshurun congregation.
Estimated annual running costs of up to £20,000 will be met by asking users to become eruv supporters or sponsors, in return for weekly alerts on its status.
"The Stanmore eruv will enrich the lives of our community, making Shabbat observance more pleasant in many ways," Mr Baker added.
"Shabbat events will now be available to all. It will encourage families, especially younger families, to move into the area."