Shulchan Arukh Orach Chayim · Siman 394

Shulchan Arukh Orach Chayim 394 — English translation

Translation: Sefaria Community Translation. Section numbers match the Hebrew text above.

1. 1*Law regarding a doubtful erev. Containing 3 paragraphs.* A case of doubt regarding an eruv, for example, if there is doubt whether it existed during twilight or not, is permitted, provided it had a presumption of validity. This means it was placed there and then doubt arose about it. However, if there was no presumption of validity, for example, if there is doubt whether it was placed there at all, it is not permitted.
2. 2The eruv must be in a place where it is possible to retrieve it during twilight. Therefore, if debris fell upon it and one cannot retrieve it without great effort and tools, it is forbidden. Rema: The eruv need only remain intact during twilight, and may be eaten once it is certainly dark. One should recite a blessing over it on Shabbat morning, but specifically in a place where the practice is to make an eruv every Friday. However, it is even better to make an eruv for the entire year at once, as discussed above in section 368.
3. 3If one placed the eruv in a tower and locked it, and the key was lost before nightfall, if it is impossible to remove the eruv unless one performs a complete forbidden labor during twilight, this is equivalent to the eruv being lost, and it is not valid, since it is impossible to eat it.

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