A powerful twister that swept through the region this past week has left the St. Louis kehilla without a functioning eruv. The 14-mile perimeter eruv sustained extensive damage as utility poles and wire — essential components of the eruv — were toppled or torn from the ground and scattered across major roads. The sudden loss has effectively left residents “locked in” for Shabbos, unable to carry strollers, tallis bags, or other items outside their homes. In response, emergency efforts are already underway. Rabbi Paretzky of Skokie, a renowned eruv expert with decades of experience across North America, was brought in to lead the urgent repairs and planning. While the eruv will not be operational for Shabbos Parshas Behar-Bechukosai, Rabbi Paretzky and his team are working to create a more resilient, multi-zone system designed to minimize future disruptions. “Right now, the entire city’s halachic mobility is compromised,” Rabbi Paretzky said. “But with careful planning, this can be an opportunity to rebuild stronger — both halachically and structurally.” The new design will prioritize storm resistance and halachic redundancy, ensuring that if one section is damaged in the future, the entire eruv will not be rendered unusable. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)