BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA 5774 Vayishlach - Ba'al Tashchis; Proper Waste Management

In the beginning of this week's parsha we read the episode about how Yaakov crossed his entire family over a stream. He then remained there alone and fought with a man until dawn. The Gemara (Chullin 91a) explains that Yaakov remained alone in order to collect a few little jars of his. The Gemara teaches that from here we see that righteous people value all their hard earned possessions --even seemingly worthless one's such as a few small jars-- because they are meticulously careful not to steal anything from anyone. Similarly, we are all commanded not to waste anything (see Rambam, Melachim 6:10). The Chinuch (mitzvah 529) writes that this trait is especially found by the righteous. He explains that the righteous love peace and are happy with all the good they have. Therefore, they won't destroy even a mustard seed, and will use all their might to preserve anything from being destroyed.(AUDIO HERE) CLICK HERE FOR PRINT VERSION.