What is the Mysterious 15-Mile Wire Around New Orleans?

New Orleans, Louisiana (KPEL-FM) - If you’ve ever driven around New Orleans, you may have passed by a 15-mile-long wire that quietly circles a large part of the city.

Most people never notice it, and when they do, they’re left wondering: what is it for?

Unsplash Via mana5280

What’s That Wire Around New Orleans?

At first glance, you might think it’s some sort of government project, a quirky city experiment, or even a wildlife barrier.

But it’s none of those.

The wire is actually an eruv, pronounced ay-roov, an important part of Jewish tradition. Installed in 2021, it’s one of the lesser-known but fascinating cultural features of New Orleans.

What Is An Eruv?

In Judaism, the Shabbat (Sabbath) is observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. During this time, there are specific religious rules, including a restriction against carrying personal items from private spaces like a home into public spaces.

That means no wallets, purses, car keys, cell phones, or even pushing a stroller outside of the home during Shabbat.

This is where the eruv comes in.

Unsplash Via Rosie Kerr

Why The New Orleans Eruv Wire Matters

The wire creates a symbolic boundary that turns the public area inside it into a shared private space. In New Orleans, this 15-mile eruv allows members of the Jewish community to carry personal items and move more freely during Shabbat while still respecting religious law.

In short, the eruv makes everyday life—like walking with kids or carrying necessities—possible without breaking tradition.

A Hidden Tradition in Plain Sight

Next time you’re in New Orleans, look up.

You may just spot the subtle wire looping around parts of the city. What looks like nothing more than a cable is actually a centuries-old religious practice helping the city’s Jewish community honor their faith.

You can see a map of the New Orleans eruv over on the New Orleans Eruv Facebook page.

Read more at crescentcityjewishnews.com.

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Source: Mysterious 15-Mile Wire Around New Orleans Explained

Filed Under: New Orleans