23 November 2006
An Orthodox synagogue in southern California has won permission to create a symbolic religious boundary around its beach communities despite concerns from conservationists it could threaten a declining bird population. The Pacific Jewish Center in Venice has agreed to take steps to protect the nesting habitats of the California least tern by placing metallic streamers on portions of the fishing line that will form what is called in a Hebrew an "eruv" so birds do not get entwined. The California Coastal Commission last week granted the temple's request to string the line between lampposts and sign poles through several miles of prime beachfront, creating a symbolic religious enclosure. Members of the temple wanted permission for the eruv so they could move freely in town on the Sabbath, when they are traditionally forbidden from going outside with anything in hand including keys, a wallet and even a child. The eruv extends the area considered private into the public domain. Within this area, Orthodox Jews can move about normally. Congregants said an eruv would make a big difference for children, disabled and elderly members who might otherwise be confined to the home during the Sabbath. Environmentalists worried, however, that the fishing line would harm the terns, which were deemed endangered in 1970.
