Minority Status

A fellow comes to a synagogue and says to the rabbi:
" Rabbi, I want to be a Cohen."
The rabbi answers: "You know, son, not everybody can become a Cohen." But the fellow persists: "I really want to be a Cohen! I must be a Cohen!! I am willing to do anything!!!" to which the rabbi sadly gives the same reply. 
"Look", says the fellow, "I am willing to donate million dollars to your synagogue, if you just help me to be a Cohen."
Hearing that and thinking of his synagogue and congregation's benefit, the rabbi tells the fellow that for this amount of money he may get the title of "Honorary Cohen."
The fellow agrees, and after the transaction is complete the rabbi asks: "would you please tell me why it was so important to you to be a Cohen?"
"Very simple", answers the fellow, "you see, my father was a Cohen and his father before him was a Cohen, so I just wanted to stick to the family tradition!"

[Posted 2/23/09]