The Chief Rabbi of Israel and the Pope are in a meeting
in Rome. The Rabbi notices an unusally fancy phone on
a side table in the Pope's private chambers. "What
is that phone for?" he asks the pontiff.
"It's my direct line to the Lord." The Rabbi
is skeptical, and the Pope notices. The Holy Father insists
the Rabbi try it out, and, indeed, he is connected to the
Lord. The Rabbi holds a lengthy discussion with Him.
After hanging up the Rabbi says, "Thank you very much.
This is great! But listen, I want to pay for my phone charges." The
Pope, of course, refuses, but the Rabbi is steadfast and
finally, the pontiff gives in.
He checks the counter on the phone and says, "All
right! The charges were 100,000 Lira" ($56). The Chief
Rabbi gladly hands over the payment.
A few months later, the Pope is in Jerusalem on an official
visit. In The the Chief Rabbi's chambers, he sees a phone
identical to his and learns it is also is a direct line
to the Lord. The Pope remembers he has an urgent matter
that requires divine consultation and asks if he can use
the Rabbi's phone. The Rabbi gladly agrees, hands him the
phone, and the Pope chats away.
After hanging up, the Pope offers to pay for the phone
charges. Of course, the Chief Rabbi refuses to accept payment.
After the Pope insists, the Rabbi relents and looks on
the phone counter.Shekel 50" ($0.42).
The Pope looks
surprised, "Why so cheap?"
The Rabbi smiles, "Local call."
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