Randgroep

The Chief Rabbi of Israel and the Pope are in a meeting in Rome. TheRabbi notices an unusally fancy phone on a side table in the Pope'sprivate chambers. "What is that phone for?" he asks the pontiff.

"It's my direct line to the Lord." The Rabbi is skeptical, and the Popenotices. The Holy Father insists the Rabbi try it out, and, indeed, heis connected to the Lord. The Rabbi holds a lengthy discussion withHim.

After hanging up the Rabbi says, "Thank you very much.This is great! But listen, I want to pay for my phone charges." ThePope, of course, refuses, but the Rabbi is steadfast and finally, thepontiff gives in.

He checks the counter on the phone andsays, "All right! The charges were 100,000 Lira" ($56). The Chief Rabbigladly hands over the payment.

A few months later, the Popeis in Jerusalem on an official visit. In The the Chief Rabbi'schambers, he sees a phone identical to his and learns it is also is adirect line to the Lord. The Pope remembers he has an urgent matterthat requires divine consultation and asks if he can use the Rabbi'sphone. The Rabbi gladly agrees, hands him the phone, and the Pope chatsaway.

After hanging up, the Pope offers to pay for the phonecharges. Of course, the Chief Rabbi refuses to accept payment. Afterthe Pope insists, the Rabbi relents and looks on the phonecounter.Shekel 50" ($0.42).

The Pope looks surprised, "Why so cheap?"

The Rabbi smiles, "Local call."