Edgware’s Jewish community was this week preparing for an extra special Shabbat after it was announced that the long-awaited eruv catering for the area would go live this weekend.

Subject to final inspections before Shabbat, a packed meeting on Tuesday was told that London’s second religious boundary was just hours from becoming a reality, enabling Orthodox Jews to carry out activities including pushing wheelchairs or buggies and carrying house keys and siddurim.

Marked out by a total of 39 poles, the four-mile boundary incorporates most of Edgware, stretching from Mill Hill Broadway to the Broadfields Estate to just beyond Edgware Station. The boundary does not, however, take in Stonegrove or Edgwarebury and Stoneyfields parks.

But mother of three Sara Levy was this week among many in the community keenly anticipating an enhanced Shabbat experience. The 30-year-old – who has been unable to go to shul on Shabbat with husband Dov since the couple had their first child four years ago – said: “I’m very excited. The eruv means I can go to shul and bring my baby along as well. In a Shabbat afternoon we can go out to friends for lunch or to the park as a family. We will be able to socialise instead of being stuck indoors which is horrible.�?

She added: “All of our friends have young children, most who cannot walk. This will help everyone.�?

The eruv – for which a planning application was submitted to Barnet Council more than three years ago – was originally conceived by Edgware Adath Yisroel Congregation’s Rabbi Zvi Lieberman 11 years ago and later gained the support of seven other orthodox synagogues in the area.

In July, the project suffered a setback after London Beth Din head Dayan Chanoch Ehrentreu discovered halachic problems, but the eruv committee this week confirmed that all issues had been resolved before last Shabbat.

Harvey Brown, Chairman of the Edgware Eruv Committee, said: “After many years of hard work we are delighted the Eruv is now a reality and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole community for its support both morally and financially.�?

Rabbi Lieberman, under whose supervision the eruv was constructed – said: “I am overwhelmed by the cross-communal support I have received from the other Rabbonim in our community.�? He insisted people must check each Friday that the eruv is kosher for that Shabbos.

Councillor Brian Gordon said: “I am pleased that, unlike the Golders Green eruv, the Edgware one has not proven controversial between the religious communities. Even though there are some who may choose not to use it, there is a consensus between local rabbis that this eruv is halachically acceptable.�?

Meanwhile, estate agents were this week predicting a hike in house prices in the area. Steven Kersh, of Harvey Jacobs, said: “With the increase of synagogue, restaurants and kosher shops within the perimeters of the eruv, properties there will be in greater demand. As a result, there will be a significant rise on house prices within that area.�?

TJC