Once upon a time there lived a man who was called Joseph Mokir Shabbat (he who honors the Sabbath), because he purchased whatever he could obtain in honor of the Sabbath. Nothing was too dear where the Sabbath was concerned. As soon as anything good was to be found at the market, he was sure to be there to buy it. No

big fish was too dear for him to purchase if it was available. Now this Joseph had a very rich neighbor who always mocked and laughed at him, saying, "What good does it do you that you honor the Sabbath so much? You have not become richer through it, whereas I who do not honor the Sabbath am richer than you."

But the good Joseph paid no heed to this and trusted to the Lord, blessed be He, to requite him. Now there were some astrologers in the town who said to the rich man, "Dear friend, what does it benefit you that you are so rich if you will not even obtain good fish for your money? We have read in the stars that your whole property will

one day come into the hand of Joseph who, at any rate, enjoys a good meal for his money."

When the rich man heard the words of the astrologers, he went and sold all his property and bought instead precious stones and pearls, of which he made a long string which he tied round his headgear, and then decided to leave for another

country. Thus he thought to take away all the money which might go to Joseph. But when he was on the sea, there arose a heavy gale which nearly sank the ship. It blew his headgear from his head and carried it into the sea. A huge fish came along and swallowed it. Thus the rich man became very poor.

It so happened that one day, on a Friday, a large fish was caught and brought into the market. Many men bargained for it but found it too dear, and went away without buying it. And they said that no one would buy such a fish except Joseph Mokir Shabbat, for he alone bought big fish; none were ever too dear for him.

In the meantime the good Joseph came to the market and wanted to buy his usual fish for the Sabbath. When he saw the big fish, he was very happy that he could obtain such a big and beautiful fish for the Sabbath. And he said to himself, "This fish will not be too dear for me even if I have to pay 100 florins for it."

Then he asked the price and found it very high, but nevertheless he came to terms with the man and bought it, and with great joy he carried it home.

When the fish was opened, the string of pearls which the rich man had lost was found inside. Thus was fulfilled the prophecy of the astrologers that the money of the rich man would belong to Joseph Mokir Shabbat. He rejoiced very much and became a rich man, for the string was worth a kingdom.

There came an old man and said to Joseph, "To him who lends to the Sabbath, the Sabbath repays many times."

That means, the Lord, blessed be He, rewards him who honors the Sabbath. Amen.