Rabbi Cohen and the Golden Gate

Rabbi Cohen, who had served his congregation faithfully for forty-five years, passed away and found himself standing at the Pearly Gates. Right in front of him in line was a man wearing a loud Hawaiian shirt, mirrored sunglasses, and a leather jacket.

Saint Peter looked at the man in the shirt and asked, "Who are you?"

The man grinned. "I’m Joe, a taxi driver from downtown New York City."

Saint Peter checked his list, smiled, and handed Joe a silk robe and a golden staff. "Welcome to heaven, Joe! Here is your mansion on the hill."

Next, Rabbi Cohen stepped forward, straightening his tie. "I am Rabbi Cohen. I spent my entire life teaching the Torah and leading my community in prayer."

Saint Peter checked his list and handed the Rabbi a cotton robe and a small wooden staff. "Welcome, Rabbi. Here is your one-bedroom apartment near the bus stop."

The Rabbi was stunned. "Wait! The taxi driver gets a mansion and I get a studio? I dedicated my life to God!"

Saint Peter patted the Rabbi on the shoulder. "Rabbi, it’s all about results. When you preached, people slept. But when Joe drove his taxi, everyone prayed."