Scene Two Rabbi's Office Late Friday afternoon. Joey's back is towards us. He's decked out in prayer regalia--including tefillin, which are on incorrectly. He's checking the books and pulls one down, stops, pulls another, stops. He takes a hefty book and turns to face the audience, looking very much like the perfect rabbi. An old-style intercom buzzes and we hear the voice of Sheryl. Sheryl: Rabbi. You've got a visitor.

I said to wait in the hall but . Rabbi? Joey settles behind the desk. Relaxed. At home. He opens the book, flips the pages. Michael enters, sweaty from her run. And . Michael: Excuse me.

Joey: Hello. Michael stares at Joey, puzzled. What can I do for you? I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but I'm waiting for someone. Michael: I see. Joey: I have an appointment. Michael: Sorry to disturb you. Joey: Not a problem, I'm sure the receptionist can help you out. Michael: Or security.

Joey: Absolutely. Michael reaches for the intercom. Michael: Shall I call security? Joey: I'm sorry, do you work here? I don't know everyone who works here. Michael: I can see that. Joey extends a hand. Joey: Joey. Michael shakes. Michael: Michael.

Joey: So your parents wanted a boy? Michael: It means "gift from G-d" or "who is like G-d." Joey: It means your parents wanted a boy. Michael: I'm guessing yours did too. Joey: So what do you do here? Michael: This and that . I'm the rabbi. So more this than that. Joey: No. Michael: And you're in my chair.

Joey: You're Rabbi Levitz-Sharon? (pronounced Share-in.) Michael: Rabbi Michael Levitz-Sharon. (pronounced Sha-rown) Like the prime minister. No relation. Joey: But you're-- Michael: Not circumcised? Joey: Young. I was thinking young. Michael: Of course you were. Joey indicates her ball cap.

Joey: And that's your kippah? So you cover your head all the time? Michael: You must be Mr. Brant. Joey: So you heard I was coming? Michael: I heard you wanted to see me today and Sheryl told you I wasn't available because I'm never available Friday afternoons. I've got a service to prepare. Joey: Did she tell you it was an emergency? I told her to tell you it was an emergency. Michael: Did somebody die? Joey: No one I know. Michael: Is someone dying? Joey: We're all dying. It's the human condition.

Michael: So it's not an emergency. And it's almost Shabbat. And I really have to shower and change. Joey: This won't take long. Michael: I can see you next week. Not on Friday. Once the sun goes down I can't turn on the hot water. Joey: That's just silly.

Michael: It is, actually, but that's religion for you. Joey: An ancient tradition dating back to the great showers of Egypt. Michael: Also, the congregation will be wondering where I am. Joey: I'm here now. I'm dressed. I only need a minute. Michael: You look lovely. You should stay for services.

Joey: Are you kidding? It's Friday night. Michael: Yes, that would be when we traditionally have Friday night services. And you know what happens at sundown? Joey: Hell yah. I remember this from Hebrew school. The chariot turns into a pumpkin and the horses turn back into mice. Michael: You have to go. I have to change. Now if you want to talk next week-- Joey: This'll only take a second.

Please, just one second, I promise.