Welcome to the Portland Eruv.

An Eruv is a nearly-invisible boundary line that permits Orthodox Jews to carry outside of their homes, whether is is a book, a tissue, or pushing a stroller. Most Eruvin are built using pre-existing poles and string.

The Portland Eruv relies on steep hills, private fences, utility poles and wires, and the like. In most cases, our only addition is an unnoticeable conduit pipe onto a pole, similar to what is already in place by utility companies. If you are not aware of the boundaries and do not have a trained eye for what to look for, you would not be able to tell the difference.

There are three main methods of marking a boundary in our Eruv:

1. Private Fences. These already in place fences can be used to indicate a boundary or “cut out” something that would invalidate the Eruv.
2. Tel Hamislaket. If the incline of a hill or dropoff is greater than approximately 40 inches within a length of 96 inches, no modifications are needed and this essentially functions as a wall in halacha.
3. Tzuras HaPesach. The most common application of this method is two utility poles with a wire that either runs through the poles or over the top of the poles. If the wire is not over the pole, then a lechi is installed to function in this capacity. These look exactly like utility installations.

The Portland Eruv Corporation works diligently to ensure the Eruv requires as little modification as necessary and is up every week. Most lechis are Gud Asik. Original installation and mapping was done with laser level. The Eruv supervisor is recommended to use laser level annually to confirm alignment of lechis with poles.

Please visit our Boundaries page for a general boundary overview. These boundaries are not precise nor updated and should not be relied on. Eruv members and visitors can contact us for detailed boundary information.

We strongly advise not walking boundary streets while carrying on Shabbos if at all possible. If you are on a boundary street please be very careful and pay close attention to where the Eruv wire and poles are at all times.