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."