Who do you call for an eiruv emergency?
It was a warm and humid Friday on May 16, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. Carpools, cholents, and dry cleaners pickups were all moving along on schedule, despite the rather unseasonal, oppressive weather, until a barrage of frantic phone calls, text messages, and emails started pouring in around 5 p.m. “St. Louis eiruv DOWN!!!” read one to-the-point text.
Shul bulletin emails were resent with the subject line: “NO EIRUV — PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!” and were followed by hastily compiled halachic summaries and practical tips for a Shabbos where carrying outside is strictly forbidden.
“No carrying this Shabbos due to a TORNADO!” read a more explanatory, yet still baffling message. “Tornado? What tornado?” wondered the good Jews of University City. Slowly, the complete story began to emerge.
At 2:39 p.m., an EF 3 tornado raged through 20 miles of the greater St. Louis area, including the area of “Wash U” (Washington University), the local university located just a few miles from University City. Wash U is included in the St. Louis eiruv, due to the significant number of Jewish students who reside on campus.
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