It’s a Boy! Manhattan Lawyer Gets Trial Reprieve for Grandson’s Bris
A Manhattan lawyer who sought a trial delay for his grandson’s circumcision ceremony is getting the time off, thanks to a decision by U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood.
Lawyer Bennett Epstein requested time off for the bris in an unusual letter (PDF) filed with the court, the Wall Street Journal Law Blog reported earlier this month.
“Should the child be a girl, not much will happen in the way of public celebration. Some may even be disappointed, but will do their best to conceal this by saying, ‘as long as it’s a healthy baby.’ ” Epstein wrote. “However, should the baby be a boy, then hoo hah! Hordes of friends and family will arrive … for the joyous celebration.”
Wood agreed to Epstein’s request, but stipulated that she wanted to “balance the scales” if the baby is a girl. “There will be a public celebration in court, with readings from poetry celebrating girls and women,” she wrote.
Epstein collected some poetry, but it wasn’t needed, according to the New York Daily News and the Washington Post column The Reliable Source. “Judge, I have an announcement,” Epstein told the court on Monday. “Hoo hah!”
Wood told jurors in the mortgage fraud trial that they won’t be needed until Monday. Epstein promised to bring baby photos and treats. “It’s considered a mitzvah to partake,” he told The Reliable Source.
