“Father how can you stand that ugly man coming into our house?” the ruler’s daughter asked him. “Our house is filled with beauty. Our walls are made of the finest marble our floors made of exquisite mosaics. We have sculptures of handsome men in every room. How can you let such ugliness spoil our home?”

“I like having him around” the ruler replied. “Rabbi Yehoshua is wise and our discussions are entertaining.”

“If he’s coming I’m leaving.”

“Your choice. Stay — you may learn something.”

Rabbi Yehoshua walked in and was greeted warmly by the ruler. The ruler began with a question.    

“When I pass a Jewish home on Saturday the smell of the food being served is so tantalizing and delicious .Why does Jewish food smell so good on Saturday? What’s the secret ingredient?”

Rabbi Yehoshua answered “We have a very special spice that we put into it. It’s called Shabbos.”