A few centuries ago, the Pope ordered all Jews to convert to Catholicism or leave Italy. The Jewish community was in an uproar, so the Pope proposed a deal. He would have a religious debate with the leaders of the Jewish community. If the Jews won, they could stay in Italy. If the Pope won, they would have to convert or leave. The Jews gathered together and chose an elderly, wise rabbi to represent them in the debate. However, the rabbi did not speak Italian, and the Pope did not speak Ladino, so both sides agreed it would be a "silent" debate. On the appointed day, the Pope and the rabbi sat face to face. The Pope raised his hand and extended three fingers. The rabbi looked at him, raised one finger, and shook it at the Pope. Then, the Pope circled his finger around his head. The rabbi pointed to the ground where he was sitting. The Pope took out a communion wafer and a cup of wine. The rabbi pulled out an apple. Then, the Pope stood up, declared himself defeated, and said the rabbi was too clever. The Jews could stay in Italy. Later, the cardinals gathered and asked the Pope what had happened. The Pope said, "First, I raised three fingers to represent the Holy Trinity. He responded by raising one finger and shaking it, reminding me that we both believe in only one God." "Then, I circled my finger around my head to show that God is everywhere." "He responded by pointing to the ground, indicating that God is also among us." "I took out wine and bread to symbolize God's forgiveness of all our sins." "He took out an apple to remind me of original sin." "He outperformed me at every step, and I couldn't continue." Meanwhile, the Jewish community gathered to ask the rabbi how he had won. "I have no idea," the rabbi said. "First, he told me we had three days to leave Italy, so I shook my finger and said no." "Then he told me the entire country would be emptied of Jews, and I told him we would stay here." "And then?" a woman asked. "Who knows?" the rabbi said. "He took out his lunch, so I took out mine too."