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, and indeed he is connected to the Lord. The Rabbi holds a lengthy discussion with the Lord.

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 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 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 that 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 his phone charges. This time, the Chief Rabbi refuses to accept payment. After the Pope insists, the Chief Rabbi relents and looks on the phone counter and says, "One Shekel 50! ($0.42)"

The Pope looks surprised. "Why so cheap!?"

The Rabbi smiles and says, "It's a local call."