A safety risk?

On a typical Saturday afternoon in the Five Towns, residents may climb into their cars and drive to a grocery store or to the park, only to be slowed down or stopped after a few blocks — not by automobile traffic, but by people.

Whether it’s a lack of concern for drivers or simply a way to walk with family and friends, some observant Jewish members of the community disregard the sidewalk and walk on the street — often in the middle of the street — on the Jewish Sabbath or a holiday. This unusual habit can not only be inconvenient for drivers attempting to pass the pedestrians, but dangerous for those on foot as well as those behind the wheel.

Inspector John Capece, commanding officer of the 4th Precinct, said templegoers should use sidewalks when walking to and from services to avoid traffic. Lt. Danny Gluck, commanding officer of the Five Towns Auxiliary Police, explained that for their own safety, people need to be conscious of their surroundings. “Whenever people walk in the street, it’s a danger to them and the vehicles on the road, especially at night,” said Gluck. “If there are sidewalks, you should use the sidewalks. People should stay to the side if there are no sidewalks. You never know when a car could make a quick turn, and you can be right at the corner, which can cause an accident.”

Rabbi Kenneth Hain, spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence, said that observant Jews walking in the street are the subject of ongoing complaints from Five Towns residents. “As far as I can see, it’s incorrect for them to be walking in the street, unless it’s a street without a sidewalk, which there are a lot of in the community,” said Hain. “I think it’s important for people to be considerate and mindful of other people using the street. They should do their best to walk home in a safe and proper manner, which is using the sidewalk where available. It’s basically a matter of common courtesy.”