Rashi cites the Talmud in Chullin 9A that says that Yaakov had forgotten some pachim ketanim, small earthenware pitchers, and had returned to retrieve them. Chazal derive from the fact that Yaakov returned for some inexpensive vessels that “to the righteous, their money is dearer to them than their bodies. Since they earn every penny with great diligence, their integrity is impeccable, everything they own is very dear to them.” Chazal’s words obviously reflect a deeper meaning. We do not venerate an individual for exhibiting greater care for his material possessions than for his own body. Horav Simcha Zissel M’Kelm…
