City of London approves new eruv around Bevis Marks Synagogue

The City of London has approved the establishment of a new eruv on behalf of Bevis Marks Synagogue to accommodate Shabbat observance. 

The eruv, which extends the private domain of Jewish homes into public space, will benefit some 500 practising Jews, according to the new plan.

The boundary will extend to the following locations in London: Riverside Footpath Underneath Blackfriars Road Bridge, Ludgate Hill Junction with Ludgate Circus, Holborn Viaduct and Holborn Circus, Farringdon Street Junction With Charterhouse, and Goswell Road Junction with Baltic Street.

“The City is a melting pot of different nationalities and backgrounds, so I’m delighted that we have approved this application which will enable our Jewish community, as well as visitors and tourists, to more easily practice their faith,” chairman of the City of London corporation’s planning and transportation committee, Shravan Joshi, said.

“Recognising the huge contribution the Jewish community make to the City of London, it will also support our Destination City vision to make the Square Mile a seven-day-a-week visitor destination for everyone, no matter their faith,” he added.

Rabbi Shalom Morris of Bevis Marks Synagogue (the oldest synagogue in the UK) said: “This will assist us in ensuring that this continuity is maintained, and reflects our encouraging collaboration with the City of London to protect Bevis Marks Synagogue more broadly.”

“We look forward to similar planning approvals from Islington and Hackney to proceed with establishing the eruv,” he added.