Carrying on Yom Kippur in Crown Heights
The Crown Heights rulings expressly prohibit carrying on Yom Kippur as well as Shabbos. A machzor, tallis, key, medication, or other object should be placed where it will be needed before the fast begins.
The local psak names Yom Kippur
Rabbi Avrohom Osdoba and Rabbi Shlomo Segal prohibit carrying and transferring between domains throughout Crown Heights on both Shabbos and Yom Kippur. The Beis Din's practical Tishrei guidance gives the same instruction.
Before Yom Kippur 5786, Rabbi Osdoba and Rabbi Braun again warned residents and guests that the publicized eruv could not be relied upon. The notice expressly includes the streets of Crown Heights and its vicinity.
A mitzvah purpose does not permit hotza'ah
A machzor and tallis are needed for the avodah of the day, but their mitzvah use does not permit carrying them through the street. The same applies to a key needed to enter shul or food intended for after the fast.
The distance between two nearby buildings can be short and still cross from one halachic domain to another. Yom Kippur does not change the status of the route.
Prepare before the fast
If several tefillos or locations are involved, place each item before Yom Kippur where it will be used. A simple written checklist can prevent a last-minute problem.
- Bring a machzor and tallis to shul beforehand.
- Place medication and other needed items where they will be used.
- Arrange keys and building access before Yom Kippur.
- Plan children's and mobility needs in advance.
Medical needs during the fast
Medical questions on Yom Kippur can involve both the fast and melacha. A person with a known condition should obtain competent medical advice and a halachic ruling in advance, including where medication or equipment will be kept.
In danger, act immediately according to the laws of pikuach nefesh. Necessary action is taken because halacha requires it, not because of an eruv.