" "But in other countries, where they did not
expound the Law, how did they deserve wealth?" "By honoring the
Sabbath," was the answer.
Rabbi Achiya, the son of Abah, said, "I sojourned once in Ludik, and was
entertained by a certain wealthy man on the Sabbath day. The table was
spread with a sumptuous repast, and the dishes were of silver and gold.
Before making a blessing over the meal the master of the house said,
'Unto the Lord belongeth the earth, with all that it contains.' After
the blessing he said, 'The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, but the
earth hath He given to the children of men.' I said to my host, 'I trust
you will excuse me, my dear sir, if I take the liberty of asking you how
you have merited this prosperity?' He answered, 'I was formerly a
butcher, and I always selected the finest cattle to be killed for the
Sabbath, in order that the people might have the best meat on that day.
To this, I believe firmly, I owe my prosperity.' I replied, 'Blessed be
the Lord, that He hath given thee all this.'"
The Governor Turnusrupis once asked Rabbi Akiba, "What is this day you
call the Sabbath more than any other day?" The Rabbi responded, "What
art thou more than any other person?" "I am superior to others," he
replied, "because the emperor has appointed me governor over them.
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