By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com And it happened before Tisha B’Av! As many residents of Monsey, New York are aware, there are two Eruv committees in the Monsey area, and, of late, there has been some confusion between the two, which has, unfortunately, created some tension. The confusion had spilled over into a number of areas: • which committee is in charge of which particular sections of the Eruv • aspects of actual ownership of the Eruv • An overlapping of who checks what – in regard to the Eruv. • various aspects of fundraising concerning the Eruv. • A dispute as to the actual naming and numbering of the various sections also had developed. There were also attempts at invoking Halachic juridical adjudication of the matter and responses. [By the way, just as a very important aside – the Eruv across the Hungry Hollow Bridge is actually down – on account of construction. So do not cross that bridge while carrying this Shabbos and until further notice. The Monsey side and the section known as Chestnut Ridge are still intact.] The fact that there are two committees has also led to considerable uncertainty within the community, with one being called the “Vaad HaEruv of Rockland” or its DBA “Rockland Eruv.” The other Eiruv, under the practical direction of Rabbi Chaim Meir Steinmetz and under the supervision of Rabbi Yechiel Steinmetz is, calling itself, “Vaad HaEiruv Inc.” PURSUING SHALOM Fortunately, however, meetings have been held between the two sides in order to both ease these tensions as well as to make shalom. Of course, not all issues have been completely resolved, but significant steps were taken to ensure that all sides work hand in hand to ensure the kashrus of the Eruvs as well as the peaceful resolution of outstanding issues. There were three steps that were agreed to in the meetings that took place: 1. Both sides would agree to pursue the path of shalom in this misunderstanding. 2. Agreement was made to clearly delineate between the two organizations in terms of the names. This will help clarify misunderstandings and allow both committees to fundraise unfettered. 3. Apologies would be issued for various unfair and inaccurate statements that were made printed and/or distributed on behalf of each respective organization. 4. The numbering and the names of each section of the Eruv – would go back to what it was originally. “I want to point out the selfless dedication of the Rabbonim on behalf of the entire community, as well as to compliment their desire to sit down and help clear the air on the matter,” remarked Rabbi Chaim Meir Steinmetz who also conveyed these wishes on behalf of his father Rav Yechiel Steinmetz. Leaders in the Rockland Eruv have also expressed appreciation for all of the hard work and effort that Rabbi Steinmetz had made in the Eruv. Both sides should be commended on pursuing these issues in the manner of darcheha darchei no’am – vechol nesivoseha shalom. A REMARKABLE RASHI There is a remarkable Rashi in parshas VeZos HaBracha (Dvarim 33:5) “And He was King in Jeshurun, whenever the leaders of the nation were gathered, and the tribes of Israel were together. Rashi explains: “When Israel is gathered together in a unified group, and there is peace […]

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