An emperor of the Rising Sun advertised for a new chief samurai warrior. Only three applied for the job: a Japanese, a Chinese and a Jewish samurai.
‘Demonstrate your skills,’ commanded the emperor. The Japanese samurai stepped forward, opened a tiny box and released a fly. He drew his sword and, Swish! The fly fell to the floor, neatly divided in two.
The Chinese samurai smiled, then opened a tiny box, also releasing a fly. He drew his sword. Swish! Swish! The fly fell to the floor neatly quartered.
The Jewish samurai stepped forward, released the fly, and drew his sword. SWOOOOOOOSH! The speed of his sword created a gust of wind. The fly let out a high-pitched sound, but continued to fly around.
‘What kind of skill is that?’ asked the emperor. ‘The fly isn’t even dead.’
‘Dead, schmead’ replied the Jewish samurai. ‘Dead is easy. But circumcision - that takes skill!’