Direct Call

The Chief Rabbi of Israel and the Pope are in a meeting in Rome

The Rabbi notices an unusually 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 that 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 $56”

The Chief Rabbi gladly hands over a packet of bills

A few months later, the Pope is in Jerusalem on an official visit.

In the Chief Rabbi's chambers he sees a phone identical to his and learns it 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

This time, the Chief Rabbi refuses to accept payment.

After the Pope insists, the Chief The Rabbi relents and looks on the phone counter and says: “$0.42”

The Pope looks surprised: “Why so cheap!?”

The Rabbi smiles: “Local call.”