Eruvin

tractate Eruvin

Masechet Eruvin is the second tractate in Seder Moed, which is the second order of the six orders of Mishnah. The Hebrew meaning of the word "Eruvin" is "mixtures" (the Aramaic translation of the word "kilayim" in the Torah is "eruvin"), meaning the mixing of two domains that need to be separated (like the mitzvah of kilayim). The subject of this tractate is the prohibitions of Shabbat domains, mainly rabbinical prohibitions of carrying (= transporting objects) between different private domains, and the rabbinic ordinances of eruv chatzeirot (courtyard eruv) and shituf mevo'ot (alleyway partnership) which are symbolic acts that join and mix all individuals residing in a residential area, turning them into members of a single domain, where carrying is permitted.

Eruv Chatzeirot

Eruv Chatzeirot is an ordinance established by the Sages in the laws of Eruvin, which enables permissible carrying (taking out objects) on Shabbat between private or shared private domains that are under different ownership, by creating some form of partnership among the residents.

In the Holy Land, the eruv is common, and many cities and settlements are surrounded by an eruv.

Outside of the Holy Land, for various reasons, there is difficulty in establishing an eruv.

In New York, there were attempts to establish an eruv and the Rebbe was involved in this. But it is known that after the controversies that were discussed, the Rebbe refused to establish an eruv in Crown Heights.

In the 1980s, there were those who established an eruv in Crown Heights, and rabbis prohibited it.

The Rebbe's Explanations

• 18b. "Babylon was cursed, its neighbors were cursed." Likkutei Sichos Vol. 33 p. 11 (p. 23)
• 43b. "It is guaranteed to Israel that Eliyahu will not come on Shabbat eves nor on holiday eves." Sichos Kodesh 5740 Vol. 1 p. 24 (p. 67)
• 52b. "One who finds himself outside the techum even by one amah." Likkutei Sichos Vol. 31 p. 108 (p. 120)
• 53a. "Rav and Shmuel, one said it was actually new and one said that his decrees were renewed." Likkutei Sichos Vol. 19 p. 1 (p. 16)
• 64b. Rashi comments: "Open with regret. The Sage must open a doorway for the questioner." Likkutei Sichos Vol. 33 p. 187 (p. 199)
• 73a. In Meiri, regarding whether a sukkah combines eruv chatzeirot. Toras Menachem Vol. 34 5722 Part 3 p. 214 (241)
• End of tractate. "One who finds himself outside the techum, etc." Explanation of the dispute. Likkutei Sichos Vol. 31 Sicha 3 for Parshas Yisro p. 108.
• Jerusalem Talmud end of Eruvin. "Tongs with tongs made... even Shabbat." Likkutei Sichos Vol. 31 p. 106 (p. 118)
• Notes on the laws of Eruvin. (Definition of sea and river, the eruv in Manhattan, and more.) Likkutei Sichos Vol. 31 p. 248 (p. 259)

Explanations of Chabad Rebbeim

• The Tzemach Tzedek, "Masechet Eruvin," Tzemach Tzedek on Shas, Brooklyn, 5755, pages 62-128, on HebrewBooks website

In Chassidic Teachings

Expanded entry – Eruv Reshuyot (Techumim, Chatzeirot)

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External Links

• Masechet Eruvin