The Pope and the Rabbi
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, 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.
The Jewish people met and picked an aged but wise Rabbi
Moishe to represent them in the debate. However, as Moishe
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 Moishe sat
opposite each other for a full minute before the Pope raised
his hand and showed three fingers.
Rabbi Moishe looked back and raised one finger.
Next, the Pope waved his finger around his head.
Rabbi Moishe pointed to the ground where he sat.
The Pope then brought out a communion wafer and
a chalice of wine.
Rabbi Moishe pulled out an apple.
With that, the Pope stood up and declared that he
was beaten, that Rabbi Moishe was too clever and that
the Jews could stay.
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 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 and
I could not continue."
Meanwhile the Jewish community were gathered around Rabbi
Moishe. “How did you win the debate?” they asked.
“I haven’t a clue,” said Moishe. “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 Moishe, “He took out his lunch so I took out mine.”
LMAO!!!