Several centuries ago, the Pope...

Several centuries ago, the Pope ruled that all Jews in must convert or leave Italy. Obviously, there was a huge outcry amongst the Jewish community. The Pope then decided,

"So be it. Send to me your greatest scholar, and we will have a religious debate. If he can beat me, then you all can stay."

The Jews nominated Rabbi Moshe to represent them. Although he was aged, he was also one of their wisest. However, he spoke no Italian, and the Pope spoke no Yiddish, so they had a silent debate. There must have been thousands watching.

First, the Pope held up three fingers. Rabbi Moshe responded by holding up one. Then, the Pope waved one of his fingers around his head. Rabbi Moshe then pointed straight to the ground. Then the Pope brought out a Communion wafer and a chalice of wine. Rabbi Moshe pulled out an apple. The Pope then admitted defeat, saying that the rabbi was too clever and had beaten him. There was much rejoicing among the Jews in Italy.

Later, the Cardinals met with the Pope and asked him, "We don't understand. What happened in that debate?"

The Pope responded, "First I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity, but Rabbi Moshe held up one to show that there was still one God common to both our religions. Then I waved my finger around to show that God was all around us, but he pointed to the ground to remind me that he was also right there with us. Then I held out the wafer and wine to show that God absolved us of all sins. He then pulled out an apple to remind me of the original sin. He had me beaten and I could not continue."

Around the same time, some members of the Jewish community asked Rabbi Moshe how he won the debate. "I really don't know," he said. "First he put up three fingers showing that we had three days to leave Italy, and so I gave him the finger. Then he waved his finger around, proclaiming that all of Italy will be rid of us, so I motioned that we're staying right here. Then he took out his lunch so I took out mine."

EDIT: grammar, spelling.