Question
hi, I just wanted to clarify what the halacha is regarding carrying in a condominium …(where you own your apartment, and pay condo fees)
do you need to make some sort of eruv in the building? ; and if there is a city eruv around the building does that help or not?
thanks
Answer
Shalom,
Thank you for your question. The laws of carrying on Shabbat are quiet technical, and can vary according to small changes in the situation. For example the height and length of the wall around the building; how many Jewish families live in the complex (the major difference is if there is just one Jewish family the laws is more lenient than if there are two or more); the ownership status of the private homes etc etc.
For this reason alone it would be advisable for you to get in touch with a local Rabbi who could advice you on location. You hint that there is a city eruv – if this is the case you are probably able to carry based on this eruv alone. You will need to check that your home and the place you want to carry to is inside the eruv boundaries and that the eruv has been checked and found kosher. You should get in touch with the Rabbis in charge of the eruv (there will be a phone number somewhere for eruv information).
If you are living outside a Jewish community, and have no Rabbi to advice you, please feel free to get back in touch with us, and we will try to help you out with more information.
Blessings.
