If you look closely, you might spot clear twine tied to utility poles in certain parts of Manhattan. Turns out it’s a fishing line with an important purpose. TikTok creator Norberto Briceño spots interesting things you’ll find in cities across the country. In a recent TikTok, he explained the fishing line in Manhattan.
An 18-mile fishing line connects 1st to 126th street. It’s part of Jewish Sabbath traditions, and the line is called an Eruv roof, which is a symbolic fence and boundary. Jews that observe the laws of the Sabbath are not allowed to carry anything from their private residence out into the public domain on Saturdays. That includes any essentials like a wallet, cellphone, and keys, to name a few. Exodus 16:29 asks Jewish people to stay in to rest on Saturdays. An eruv symbolically extends your private residence into the public domain so you can perform ordinary activities like taking your dog for a walk or carrying your child.
