The compound surrounding the gravesite of Rochel Imeinu
o"h has been connected to the Jerusalem eruv
through the efforts of the Center for Eruvin in Eretz
Hakodesh, which was founded by the Rabbinical Committee for
the Sanctity of Shabbos. The eruv was set up under the
guidance of HaRav Avrohom Moshe Katzenellenbogen, the rov
posek for eruv matters in Jerusalem.
The complex project stretches over many miles, including
building infrastructures, erecting posts, connecting fences
and other tasks. The work was executed over an extended
period of time and some of it was carried out in hostile Arab
areas with tight IDF security. The request to bring Kever
Rochel within the Jerusalem eruv was initiated by
security figures at the site.
Workers for the Center for Eruvin in Eretz Hakodesh recently
completed additional eruv lines for South Jerusalem
neighborhoods including Gilo, Katamon, Arnona and Armon
Hanatziv, where the number of chareidi residents has
increased substantially in recent years, creating a pressing
need for the eruv.
Headed by HaRav Moshe Berlin and HaRav Nosson Weinfeld, the
Center for Eruvin in Eretz Hakodesh was started by HaRav
Binyomin Rotstein of the Rabbinical Committee for the
Sanctity of Shabbos in order to strengthen eruvin
around the country. Gedolei Torah and gedolei
chassidus say the organization is important because it
saves thousands of Jews from the prohibition against carrying
on Shabbos.
Over the years the Center for Eruvin in Eretz Hakodesh has
carried out numerous projects in the greater Jerusalem area
and is currently completing work on the eruv in many
locations around the country, e.g. at Lahavim in the South,
and Biriya and Kfar Shammai in the North. These projects are
carried out under difficult field conditions during all hours
of the day and night.
