Why are these transparent wires being put up in cities around the world?

Eruv lines are used by Orthodox Jews.

Members of an ultra-conservative religious denomination are stringing transparent wires around many urban neighborhoods, all for religious reasons. These nearly invisible wires form webs in cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. What are these wires and what is their purpose?

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The wires are known as "eruv" (plural eruvim) and they are made of clear wire, usually fishing line. Tied about 10 feet above the ground from pole to pole, they make complete circuits around neighborhoods in urban areas.

The lines are erected by Orthodox Jews for the purpose of marking boundaries within which people may carry common, necessary objects such as eyeglasses or keys.

Orthodox and conservative Jews strictly observe the Sabbath, and in their understanding many common activities are strictly forbidden. The scriptures do not provide specific lists of forbidden activities, but rather general categories. These categories include labor, work, business, carrying (or more specifically moving objects) anything and traveling. Even touching objects associated with these restricted categories is forbidden.

However, such restrictions can impose severe hardships on people, especially in the modern era. For example, what would happen if nobody locked their doors or took their keys with them on the Sabbath?  Also, how does one actually enjoy the Sabbath, or take rest when they're constantly concerned with a massive list of prohibitions?

The solution is to create and eruv, which is a private community within which certain exceptions may be granted. Each eruv line marks the symbolic boundary of a single private community. People can carry their keys, eyeglasses, books and other necessary items within their eruv. Money and cellphones and other items associated with work or business are still forbidden.

The eruvim are monitored in each city by special crews charged with their maintenance. Websites often keep residents updated since if one of the lines is broken, then nobody can use the area. The lines are commonly ties to utility poles. They can be found in most all cities around the world with significant Orthodox Jewish populations.

Is there an eriv in your community? There are websites and maps posted online so you can see where to find these unobtrusive markers. You can also contact Orthodox synagogues and ask.

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