A Court hearing is taking place and the next witness to be called up is eighty year old Hymie. He has a long beard and payess, a kippa on his head and he’s wearing his tzitzits outside his trousers.
The judge takes a quick look at Hymie and decides it unlikely that this witness is going to be able to freely converse in the Queen’s English. So the Court’s Jewish interpreter is immediately summoned.
The judge then says to Hymie, “There’s no need to be concerned about giving evidence in English to this Court. We have an experienced Jewish interpreter with us to help you. I hope this meets with your approval.”
“Thank you your Honour,” replies Hymie in beautifully clear English, “but I don’t need an interpreter. I was Professor of English at Cambridge University for 40 years and …..”
At this point, the interpreter interrupts and says, “Your Honor, ehr hat gesagt………”
payess; side curls worn by ultra orthodox males
kippa: skullcap, see also yarmulka
tzitzits; fringes or tassles found on the corner of a prayer shawl worn by observant Jews
‘ehr hat gesagt ……’: ‘he said ……..’
Credit: David Minkoff, A Word In Your Eye