There are many people involved in the running of a community Eruv.  Because of the different aspects involved, there are many different types of leadership positions that exist. Some of these roles overlap, depending on the community. To find out more about how your Eruv is managed, or to learn how you can get involved in your own local Eruv, you can contact a local shul (synagogue) who can put you in touch with the local Eruv leadership. For additional assistance, you can contact the National Eruv Initiative. Also, visit Get Involved.

Below is a rundown of the leadership positions of a local Eruv, and their responsibilities:

Posek (Jewish Legal Expert) – The Posek‘s role is to assist in the initial stages of creating the Eruv. He ensures that the blueprints and actual construction are in accordance to Jewish Law.  After the Eruv is erected, the Posek will answer questions from the Rov HaMachshir (see below), and sometimes may be brought in for on sight inspection/training.

Rov HaMachshir/Rabbi- He is responsible for overseeing the Eruv and insuring that all relevant Halacha (Jewish Law) is being upheld.   Common responsibilities include receiving Halacha questions and either answering them himself or referring them to the Posek, performing S’chiras R’shus, performing the Eruv Chatzeiros, and declaring the Eruv as usable or not usable.   In an ideal setting, the Rav HaMachshir is involved in the regular inspections and repairs that are made to the Eruv.

Checker- Usually a member (or team of members) from the community, either paid or volunteer. He performs weekly/regular inspections on the physical components of the Eruv, and is responsible to present questions to the Rov HaMachshir. The Checker makes sure repairs are done correctly.  He is responsible for the community Eruv each individual week.

Repairman- When something needs to be physically constructed or repaired, the Repairman is paid to make the repairs.  This person is usually on-call  Thursdays and Fridays.

Donor- Individuals who donate funds toward the upkeep of the Eruv.  Donations are integral to the maintenance of the Eruv, and ample funding is essential for a community Eruv’s halachik integrity.

Patrons- People who use the Eruv.  This includes any individual who takes advantage of the opportunity to carry objects and push strollers or wheelchairs outdoors on Shabbos.

President- The President of the Eruv is responsible for coordinating the multiple aspects including public Eruv awareness. His tasks include fundraising, recruitment of personnel, sorting legal aspects, and communication with the community. The President is generally a volunteer.

Webmaster- The Webmaster facilitates the community’s Eruv website. This is very often a volunteer.

Treasurer- The Treasurer is responsible for supervising the finances of the Eruv, and writing checks when necessary.

Lawyer-  The Lawyer is available to assist the President in any legal matters.