Is there an eruv in Flatbush?
There is an eruv in parts of Flatbush, but relying on it is contested. ShulMap takes no position — ask your rav.
Background
The Flatbush eruv was originally built with the support of the Modern Orthodox community and later enhanced with the support of some non-Modern Orthodox families. It connects with the Boro Park eruv, and the status of the two is an ongoing dispute.
The question is an old one. An eruv for Flatbush was proposed in the late 1970s; Rav Moshe Feinstein's 1978 responsum repudiated it, and further responsa in 1979 and 1981 (Iggerot Moshe, Orach Chaim 4:87–88 and 5:28) set out his opposition to eruvin in Brooklyn. A 1979 public notice signed by 73 rabbonim declared it forbidden to set up an eruv in any neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Good to know
- ShulMap takes no position, maps no boundary, and does not publish a status line. Ask your own rav.
Sources
- Wikipedia, "Eruv" — Brooklyn section
- Moshe Kurtz, "Unpacking the Iggerot: Brooklyn Eruv Battles", Tradition Online, May 2025
- Anash.org, "Newly Discovered Historic Psak on Brooklyn Eruv", October 2021
ShulMap communities here
Frequently asked questions
Is there an eruv in Flatbush?
There is an eruv in parts of Flatbush, but relying on it is contested. ShulMap takes no position — ask your rav.
Can I carry on Shabbos in Flatbush?
That is a question for your own rav. The Flatbush eruv was originally built with the support of the Modern Orthodox community and later enhanced with the support of some non-Modern Orthodox families. It connects with the Boro Park eruv, and the status of the two is an ongoing dispute. ShulMap takes no position and maps no boundary.
Why doesn't ShulMap list an eruv status line for Flatbush?
Because relying on the eruv here is disputed, publishing one side's status line would be taking a side in the machlokes. ShulMap lists status lines only where an eruv is communally accepted.
Eruv: Eruv boundaries are shown for orientation only and reflect the boundary, not live up/down status. Always confirm with your local rav or the eruv hotline before relying on them.