What’s in a name? |
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It could be worse. My family name could be Hitler. Or Biden-trump. Khameini. Torquemada. Or, shudder, Obama.
At least with Epstein, upon introduction, after the familiar momentary pause, the slight smirk, and the question: “Any relation?” I can answer, “Yes. Thanks for asking. We are related to Baruch Halevi Epstein from Pinsk, the author of the Torah Temimah, and his father, Yechiel Michel Epstein, the author of the Aruch Hashulchan. But why are you asking me now? Are you studying Tosefes Bracha or Baruch She’amar?”
Another pause. “Uh, no. I was thinking of Jeffrey Epstein, the sexual predator.” “Oh,” I say, withdrawing my hand and, not too surreptitiously, rubbing it against my pants leg. “No, I try to steer clear of that stuff. ........