I take umbrage at Mr Weissbraun's comments to my letter, January 17, regarding the eruv wire. Tolerance does not come into the equation.

As a 57-year-old Jew, I know of many rules and laws which have been bent or changed to cover certain circumstances.

It is something that happens in all religions under the name of progress. Even the Vatican changed the rules for Catholics regarding fish-eating on Fridays.

Church bells ring and mullahs chant, calling their peoples to prayer, but after a short while these fall silent and life carries on.

The eruv wire is permanent, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

David Collins

High Road, North Finchley