One of the best rewards is when you get that look from someone that says, "I think you might just be putting me on but I’m not sure so I’ll play it completely straight, just this one time."

Mick and the Rabbi

It happened a few years back on a quiet Saturday afternoon in.....Las Vegas? Kathie, my wife, and I were visiting my dad at the nursing home where he lived at the time. We were having a chat in the commons room when an administrator asked if we would mind moving to some other part of the room. As we resettled a group of elderly ladies in wheel chairs converged on the spot we had just vacated.

In moments a Rabbi arrived and began preparations for his service. As I passed the group on my way to the washroom I noticed the Rabbi putting candles in a miniature menorah.

Returning a few minutes later I met the Rabbi going in the other direction.

"Excuse me but do you have any matches?" "

"Sorry, I don’t smoke."

He rushed off, muttering under his breath.

Arriving back in the commons room I told Kathie of the impending disaster.

"No problem, I have matches."

"You do?"

"They’re casino matches. I always stuff some in my purse."
Don't you just love 'em?

I took the precious packet and launched a successful search for the anxious Rabbi. Clutching the matches like gold the Rabbi thanked me profusely and promised to return the unused portion of the pack. I told him they were casino matches and there was no need to return them. Side by side we retraced our steps to the commons room.

Five steps, "I hope you don’t spend too much time in those places."

Two steps, "I can’t afford to spend too much time in those places."

Ten steps, "You’re not Jewish?"

One step, "No, Irish."

And there it was. Peering up at me (No mean feat since I’m only 5ft., 6in.) from the corner of his eye I got That Look.

Five steps, ten, fifteen steps:

A hint of a smile,

"Nice people."