Several centuries ago, the Pope decreed that all of the Jews in Italy had to
convert to Catholicism or leave the country. There was a huge outcry from
the Jewish community; so, the Pope offered a deal: He'd have a religious
debate with the leader of the Jewish community. If the Jews won, they could
stay in Italy; but, if the Pope won, they'd have to convert or leave.
The Jewish people met and picked an aged and wise Rabbi to represent them in
the debate. However, as the Rabbi spoke no Italian, and the Pope spoke no
Yiddish, they agreed that it would be a 'silent' debate.
On the chosen day, the Pope and Rabbi sat opposite each other:
The Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers.
The Rabbi looked back and raised one finger.
Next, the Pope waved his finger around his head.
The Rabbi pointed to the ground where he sat.
The Pope brought out a communion wafer and a chalice of wine.
The Rabbi pulled out an apple.
With that, the Pope stood up and declared himself beaten and said that the
Rabbi was too clever ... the Jews could stay in Italy.
Later, the Cardinals met with the Pope and asked him what had happened.
The Pope said, "First, I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity. He
responded by holding up a single finger to remind me there is still only one
God, common to both of our faiths. Then, I waved my finger around my head
to show him that God was all around us. The Rabbi responded by pointing to
the ground to show me that God was also right here with us. I pulled out
the wine and host to show that, through the perfect sacrifice, Jesus has
atoned for our sins; but, the Rabbi pulled out an apple to remind me of the
Original Sin.
He beat me at every move, and I could not continue."
Meanwhile, the Jewish community gathered to ask the Rabbi how he'd won.
"I haven't a clue," said the Rabbi. "First, he told me that we had three
days to get out of Italy; so, I gave him the finger. Then, he tells me
that the whole country would be cleared of Jews, but I told him emphatically
that we were staying right here." "And, then what?" asked a woman. "Who
knows?" said the Rabbi. "He took out his lunch; so, I took out mine."
