“ויותר יעקב לבדו.” Yaakov remained alone. Rashi explains: “שכח פכים קטנים וחזר עליהם.” He had forgotten a few small vessels and went back for them. Rashi in Chullin adds that the valuable belongings and livestock were already across the Yabbok. These were the things still left behind.
The Gemara says: “מכאן לצדיקים שחביב עליהם ממונם יותר מגופם.” Why are a tzaddik’s possessions so dear to him? “לפי שאין פושטין ידיהן בגזל.” Because he won’t take what belongs to someone else.
That needs a hesber. How does staying away from gezel explain going back for a few pots? The Gemara could have spoken about the tzedakah a tzaddik gives. It chooses to speak about how he acquires his money.
Perhaps that’s the pshat. A person who won’t take someone else’s money has accepted a limit on how he can replace his own. If he loses something, he has to earn its replacement honestly. A cheap vessel still represents something he acquired within those limits. He has reason to look after it.
And this is the same Yaakov who sends hundreds of animals to Esav. He has a reason for that gift, and later insists that Esav accept it. He can give away a great deal and still care about a few forgotten vessels. Giving serves a purpose; leaving something behind needlessly does not.
I can remember every five dollars someone owes me and forget the five dollars I owe him. Before I call that being careful with money, the Gemara gives me somewhere to start: “שאין פושטין ידיהן בגזל.”
Mareh mekomos: Bereishis 32:25 with Rashi; Chullin 91a with Rashi; Bereishis 32:14–16, 32:21, 33:11.
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