Who Has a Hot Line To God?
Both the Rabbi and the Pope have fancy phones with direct connections to God, but the phone calls don’t cost the same.
The Chief Rabbi of Israel and the Pope meet in Rome.
During their conversation, the Rabbi notices an unusually fancy phone on a side table in the Pope’s private chambers and asks the Pontiff,
“What is that special phone for?”
The Pope replied, “It’s my direct line to the Lord.”
The Rabbi is skeptical, which the Pope notices.
The Holy Father insists that the Rabbi try it out, and to his surprise, he talks directly to the Lord.
The Rabbi has a lengthy discussion with Him.
After hanging up the Rabbi says, “Thank you very much. That was great, but I want to pay for the cost of the phone call.”
The Pope, of course, refuses, but the Rabbi is steadfast and finally, the pontiff gives in.
He checks the phone and says, “All right, the charges were 100,000 Lira.”
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 fancy phone identical to his and learns it is also 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 special phone.
The Rabbi gladly agrees and hands him the fancy phone.
After hanging up, the Pope offers to pay for the call.
This time the Chief Rabbi refuses to accept payment.
The Pope insists, so the Chief Rabbi checks the phone usage, and replies,
“One Shekel Fifty.”
The Pope looks surprised and asks, “Why so cheap?”
The Rabbi smiles and responds, “Local call.”