Several centuries ago, the pope decreed that all the Jews had to convert, or leave Italy.
There was a huge outcry from the Jewish community, and the pope offered a deal. He would hold a religious debate with the leader of the Jewish community. If the Jews win, they would be allowed to stay, if not- they would leave.
The Jews met, and appointed an aged but wise Rabbi, named Moshe. Rabbi Moshe Spoke no Latin though, so the pope agreed to a ?silent debate?.
On the chosen day, the pope & Rabbi Moshe set opposite each other for a full minute before the Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers. Rabbi Moshe looked at him, and raised one finger.
Next, the Pope waved his finger around his head. Rabbi Moshe pointed at the ground where he sat.
The Pope then brought out a communion wafer, and a chalice of wine. Rabbi Moshe pulled out an apple.
With that, the Pope stood up, and declared that he was beaten, and that Rabbi Moshe was too clever, and the Jews can stay.
Later, the Cardinal met with the Pope, and asked what has happened.
The Pope said, ?First I held up three fingers to represent the trinity. He responded by holding up one finger, to remind me that there is still only one God common to both out faiths.?
?Then I waved my finger to show him that God is all around us, and he responded by pointing to the ground, to show that God is also here with us?.
?I pulled out the wine & wafer to show that God absolves us of all our sins, He pulled out the apple, to remind me of the original sin. He had me beaten. I could not continue.?
Meanwhile, the Jewish community gathered around Rabbi Moshe.
?How did you win the debate?? they asked
?I have no clue? said the Rabbi.
?First he said to me that we have three days to get out of Italy. I said to him up yours.!!!
So he tells me the whole country would be cleared of Jews, and I said to him we are staying right here.?
?And then what?, asked a woman in the crowd.
?Who knows?? said Rabbi Moshe. ?He took out his lunch, so I took out mine.?
