" And in the next chapter
we find, "Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim."
* * * * *
One Joseph, a Jew, who honored the Sabbath, had a very rich neighbor,
who was a firm believer in astrology. He was told by one of the
professional astrologers that his wealth would become Joseph's. He
therefore sold his estate, and bought with the proceeds a large diamond,
which he sewed in his turban, saying, "Joseph can never obtain this." It
so happened, however, that while standing one day upon the deck of a
ship in which he was crossing the sea, a heavy wind arose and carried
the turban from his head. A fish swallowed the diamond, and being caught
and exposed for sale in the market, was purchased by Joseph to supply
his table on the Sabbath eve. Of course, upon opening it he discovered
the diamond.
Rabbi Ishmael, the son of Joshua, was asked, "How did the rich people of
the land of Israel become so wealthy?" He answered, "They gave their
tithes in due season, as it is written, 'Thou shalt give tithes, in
order that thou mayest become rich.'" "But," answered his questioner,
"tithes were given to the Levites, only while the holy temple existed.
What merit did they possess while they dwelt in Babel, that they became
wealthy there also?" "Because," replied the Rabbi, "they honored the
Holy Law by expounding it.
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