The local priest had to attend an out of town meeting for a few days, but didn’t have anyone to cover for him in the confessional.
He asked his rabbi friend across the street at the synagogue. The rabbi said he’d be delighted to help, but didn’t have the foggiest idea of how confession worked.
Understanding the rabbi’s ignorance on the subject, the priest suggested that the rabbi “sit-in” on a few confessions just so he could get the hang of it.
So the priest and rabbi waited together in the booth for someone to come give their confession.
Finally a man showed up and said, “Father, forgive me for I have sinned. I committed adultery three times in the past week.”
The priest then advised the man, “Say two Hail Mary’s, put $5 in the box, and go and sin no more.”
After the first man left, another man entered and said, “Father, forgive me for I have sinned. I committed adultery three times in the past week.”
Again, the priest advised, “Say two Hail Mary’s, put $5 in the box, and go and sin no more.”
After the man left, the rabbi said, “I think I got the idea. Let me take the next one.”
A moment later another man entered the booth, “Father, forgive me for I have sinned. I committed adultery once this past week.”
Knowing he’s got a handle on this, the rabbi advised, “Go and do it two more times, We have a special this week, three for $5.”