THE SILENT DEBATE

Italians and the Jews
>
> Several centuries ago, the Pope decreed that all the
Jews had to convert to Catholicism or leave Italy.
>
> There was a huge outcry from the Jewish community, so
the Pope offered a deal. He would have a religious
> Debate with the leader of the Jewish community.
>
> If the Jews won, they could stay in Italy .
>
> If the Pope won, they would have to leave or convert.
>
> The Jewish people met and picked an aged, but wise,
Rabbi Moshe to represent them in the debate.
> However, as Moshe spoke no Italian and the Pope spoke no
Yiddish, they all agreed that it would be a
> "silent" debate. On the chosen day, the Pope and Rabbi
Moshe sat opposite each other.
>
> The Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers.
Rabbi Moshe looked back and raised one finger.
> Next...the Pope waved his finger around his head. Rabbi
Moshe pointed to 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.. That Rabbi Moshe was too clever and that
> The Jews could stay in Italy .
>
> Later, the Cardinals met with the Pope, asking what
had 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 our beliefs.
>
> Then, I waved my finger around my head to show him
that God was all around us. He responded by pointing
> To the ground to show that God was also right here with
us.
>
> I pulled out the wine and wafer to show that God
absolves us of all our sins. He pulled out an apple to remind me
> Of the original sin.
>
> He had me beaten at my every move and I could not
continue."
>
> Meanwhile..the Jewish community was gathered around
Rabbi Moshe. "How did you win the debate?" they
> Asked.
>
> "I haven't a clue," said Moshe. "First he said to 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 and I said to him we're staying right here."
>
> "And then what?" asked a woman.
>
> "Who knows?" said Moshe, "He took out his lunch so I
took out mine.