In Odessa the synagogue had been shut down.
A deputation of Jews went to the authorities to ask why.
'We couldn't find a suitable rabbi,' replied the authorities.
'One knew the Talmud, but didn't know Marxism-Leninism;
a second knew Marxism-Leninism, but didn't know the Talmud;
and the third knew all three,... but he was a Jew.'