While exercising visitation with his daughter, Joseph Reyes attended Mass with child in tow. However this was a special Mass for old Joe, for on this day his daughter was to be baptized. What better way to commemorate the occasion than with photos, of the digital kind. Seemingly no problem until Mr. Reyes decided that this event should be shared with his Jewish wife, via email.
Rebecca Shapiro shot back and sought a temporary injunction, prohibiting Joseph Reyes from exposing his daughter to any religion other than Judaism. Judge Edward R. Jordan bought off on the motion. However, Joseph continues to attend Mass with his daughter and is soon brought back to court facing criminal contempt charges. Rebecca Shapiro is asking the Court to place her child's father into the Cook County Jail.
As things get heated, Judge Jordan sees that it is time to cut-bait and allows his colleague Judge Renee Goldfarb to take over. Judge Jordan is not only of the Jewish faith, but was a past president of The Decalogue Society of Lawyers. Although Barry Goldberg, current President of the Decalogue Society, claims that Judge Jordan's link to his organization is improper, (See Article) it is important to note some of the various goals of the Decalogue include "assist[ing] in resolution of peculiar[] Jewish legal controversies," and to "Encourage and stimulate Jewish ideas and culture." When weighing in on such a novelty, Jordan should have avoided the appearance of impropriety when ordering Reyes' daughter away from the Catholic Church.
Joseph Reyes, you crossed the lines of decency when you clicked the "send" button on your e-mail. This single act removed any claims to religious freedom and father's rights into the land of "I will use my child to hurt my spouse." The Order issued by Judge Jordan was strange and seemingly inappropriate, nonetheless an order. You are in law school, first piece of advice for your future, follow the law!! If you don't like it appeal! - you lose.
Judge Edward R. Jordan, a reality check is paramount. Not only was your injunction bizarre, you should have recognized that your past affiliations only contributed to the circus that the Reyes' clearly wanted, you provided the tent, the elephant (pun intended) and acted as the ringmaster. - you lose.
Rebecca Shapiro, you have the least blame, however, you married him.
Story by Chicago Sun-Times
You idiots have your facts all wrong. Joseph didn't convert until near the end of the marriage - and it was because Rebecca demanded it. Second, the TRO was not sought until after the Baptism. Third, Rebecca has done everything humanly imaginable to interfere with Joseph's relationship with Ela.
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