Why is This Mysterious Wire Hanging Over the City of Poughkeepsie?

A mysterious wire now stretches around an entire neighborhood in the City of Poughkeepsie. But what is it for?

After years of negotiating with utility companies and the City of Poughkeepsie, the wire was finally completed this month. Many residents, however, have no idea what its for, or that its even there.

The wire surrounds the south side of Poughkeepsie from the corner of College Avenue and South Cherry down to Wilmont Terrace, covering entire neighborhoods east of Raymond Avenue.

The wire isn't there to carry electricity or cable. It's only purpose is to serve as a special boundary known as an Eruv. According to the Jewish News Service, the eruv designates a specific part of the city where orthodox Jews can carry things on the Sabbath.

You can spot the religious fence by looking for PVC pipes attached to utility poles. The long pipes act as the "posts" of the fence. In some spots, the pipes are attached to existing utility wires that act as the top of the boundary marker.

According to Jewish law, followers are forbidden from carrying things in public on the Sabbath. This includes holding groceries or even pushing a baby stroller. An exception is made for areas within an eruv. Until now, orthodox families living in Poughkeepsie have had a tough time getting around on holy days. Because driving a car is also forbidden, it's been practically impossible to go shopping or simply take a walk with children. Jewish leaders say that families have avoided moving to Poughkeepsie because the city didn't have an eruv.

So while most people wouldn't even realize its there, this new eruv certainly means a lot to Orthodox Jews living in the Poughkeepsie area. Congratulations to the Jewish community on the long awaited project.