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 hold a religious debate with the leader of the Jewish community. If the Jews won, they could stay in Italy. 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, both sides 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 seven fingers.

The rabbi looked back and raised one finger and shook it at the Pope.

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 seven fingers to represent the week of creation of the world, which was made for us Catholics. He responded by holding up a single finger, shaking it to remind me that the one G-d actually created it for the Jews.”

"Then, I waved my finger around my head to show him that G-d is all around us. He responded by pointing to the ground to show that G-d is also right here with us.”

"I pulled out the wine and wafer to show that G-d absolves us of all our sins. He 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," the rabbi said. "First, he told me that we had seven days to get out of Italy so I shook my finger saying no.”

"Then he told me that the whole country would be cleared of Jews and I told him that we were staying right here."

"And then what?" asked one of the Jews.

"Who knows?" said the rabbi. "He took out his lunch so I took out mine."

Today’s joke was taken from Aish.com.