Rabbi Hiyya told the following story:

"Once upon a time I spent a night in Sepphoris at a butcher's. (Others say it was in Laodicea.) They brought him a gold table, which was carried by sixteen people, and sixteen silver chains were hanging from the table. Upon the table were many silver plates and silver spoons. All the utensils on the table were made of pure silver, and upon it were also many good dishes of fine fruit. No sooner had they brought the

table before the master, than he began to praise the Lord, blessed be He, saying, 'The earth and all that is upon it belongs to God' (cf. Ps. 24.1). And when they took the table away again, he praised God and said, 'The heavens belong to the Lord, and the earth He has given to the children of man' (ib, 115.16).

Then I asked him, 'How have you become so rich, what good have you done in your lifetime?'

Then the master of the house said, 'I will tell you. I was formerly a butcher. Whenever I had a fit beast I said that I would keep it for the Sabbath, so that I should have a good piece of meat for the holy day. And it is on account of this that the Lord, blessed be He, has given me wealth, for I paid honor to the Sabbath.'

Then I said, 'Praised be the Lord who has granted you all this wealth, and may you be found worthy to remain a rich man all your life.' "