Rabbi Gold is conducting his very first service at one of London's oldest synagogues. All is going well until he gets to the 'Shema' prayer - only half his congregation stand up. Those still seated start yelling 'sit down' to those standing and those standing start yelling 'stand up' to those sitting. Although Rabbi Bloom is knowledgeable about much of the law, he doesn't know what to do. He thinks it must be something to do with the synagogue's tradition.
After the service, Rabbi Bloom consults Abe, the synagogue's oldest member. "I need to know, Abe, what the synagogue's tradition is with regard to the Shema prayer. Is the tradition to stand during this prayer?"
Abe replies, "No, that is not the tradition."
"So the tradition is to sit during Shema?" says Rabbi Bloom.
Abe replies, "No, that is not the tradition."
"But," says Rabbi Bloom, "my congregation argue all the time. They yell at each other about whether they should sit or stand and... "
Abe interrupts, exclaiming, "Aha, THAT is the tradition!"
Read all jokes from:Jewish (+6999)
