Is there an eruv in Williamsburg?
An eruv in Williamsburg is a long-running machlokes. The Satmar Rebbe leads the opposition, and you should not assume you can carry.
Background
Efforts to make an eruv in Williamsburg have been disputed for decades, and Rabbi Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, the Satmar Rebbe of Williamsburg, leads the opposition to one.
The dispute belongs to a wider Brooklyn history. A 1979 public notice signed by 73 rabbonim — among them the Rebbes of Satmar, Bobov and Pupa — declared: "it is forbidden to set up an Eruv in any neighborhood of New York or Brooklyn without exception. Even if an Eruv is set up, it will be forbidden for adults and children alike to carry within it." Rav Moshe Feinstein's name appears among the signatures, though at least one contemporary disputed that it was on the original; his own responsa from 1978, 1979 and 1981 (Iggerot Moshe, Orach Chaim 4:87–88 and 5:28) set out his opposition to eruvin in Brooklyn.
Good to know
- ShulMap takes no position on this machlokes, 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 Williamsburg?
An eruv in Williamsburg is a long-running machlokes. The Satmar Rebbe leads the opposition, and you should not assume you can carry.
Can I carry on Shabbos in Williamsburg?
That is a question for your own rav. Efforts to make an eruv in Williamsburg have been disputed for decades, and Rabbi Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, the Satmar Rebbe of Williamsburg, leads the opposition to one. ShulMap takes no position and maps no boundary.
Why doesn't ShulMap list an eruv status line for Williamsburg?
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.