Would someone kindly tell the Reverend Koschland ('Benefits are wide-ranging', Times Letters, October 11) that many of your readers do understand what an eruv is.

On the matter of the eruv itself, may I say first it strikes one as a tad selfish on the part of the Jewish community to insist on something that would mean imposing their beliefs on non-believers. To be fair they might not realize the significance of what they propose to do but nevertheless it should be pointed out.

Secondly, why all the fuss about those who cannot walk going to the place of worship by means of the wheel. Some of the religious laws are no longer upheld; adulterers are no longer stoned to death.

I find it hard to believe that any reasonable person could seriously believe that any deity insisting on strict attendance on this or that holy day would then set about putting obstacles in the way of believers. I also find it hard to believe the deity in question could be so devoid of charity and understanding as to be highly offended if the incapacitated or those living far away made the journey to their place of worship other than by foot.

Patricia Ann Wilson

Woodville Road, New Barnet

October 16, 2001 16:30