An unusual but inspiring event occurred last Friday in the city of Ofakim, when the city’s Eruv wires were torn in several locations�which could have led to the Eruv being invalidated.

During a routine inspection of the Eruv close to the start of Shabbos, an employee of the Religious Council identified rips and tears that had occurred in various areas. In a normal situation, they would have been manually repaired, but the short time remaining until Shkiyah necessitated a particularly rapid solution.

During a consultation in the office of the chairman of the Religious Council, Rav Binyamin Malka, an unusual decision was made: to operate an advanced technological drone to repair the wires�while fully adhering to halacha and the strict instructions of the city’s Rav, Rav Amram Ohayon.

The drone was operated under close halachic supervision and completed the mission in a short time�restoring the integrity of the Eruv and preventing possible Chillul Shabbos for the many residents.

The Minister of Religious Services, MK Michoel Malkieli, praised the move: “The use of advanced technologies is an integral part of our vision for excellent religious services. The case in Ofakim illustrates how innovation can ensure full adherence to halacha�even in challenging conditions.”

(YWN Israel Desk�Jerusalem)