Knowing How To Ask The Right Question

Bob and his attorney Jim are walking to services. Bob asks, “I wonder whether it would be all right to smoke while praying?”

“Why don’t you ask the rabbi?” says Jim.

Bob sees the Rabbi and asks, “Rabbi, is it permissible for me to smoke while I pray?”

“No, you may not. That’s utterly disrespectful to our tradition!” answers the rabbi.

Bob goes back to his friend and tells him what the good Rabbi told him.

“I’m not surprised. You asked the wrong question. Let me try.”

Jim, the attorney, goes over to the Rabbi and asks, “Rabbi, would it be ok if I prayed while I smoke?”

To which the Rabbi eagerly replies, “By all means, my good man. By all means.”