An Eiruv for Nascent Tel Aviv – #242
Date and Place: 9 Kislev 5670 (1909), Yafo
Recipient: The homeowners of “Achuzat Bayit,” the brand new suburb of Yafo, which became the beginning of Tel Aviv.
Body: It will be for me a pleasant obligation to awaken your dear spirits to take part in the mitzva of erecting an eiruv in your dear moshav, which we are joyously looking forward to see built, adorned and equipped with all good things.
The erection of an eiruv is positive for two reasons: A. It will prevent the outbreak of a wave of desecration of Shabbat from spreading in your respected, beloved moshav. Besides the inherent holy cause that is included in this, it also impacts the general honor of the moshav. B. It is a great improvement regarding all the needs of life on the holy day in a community that is made up of our Jewish brethren. This reduces dependency on non-Jews.
The expense of building a high-quality, strong eiruv in part of the moshav is, by a good estimation, 32 Napoleonic gold coins. Of this, the general assembly of the city (Yafo) will provide 16 coins, through the efforts of Betzalel Lopian. Concerning the second half, 16 Napoleonic gold coins, I beseech of you, respected people, that you will take part, to provide you both spiritual and material benefit, as shall be an honor for such beloved people.
