GEN1386 [One] disadvantage of money and wealth is that often keeps Jews from getting to or living in Israel.  This phenomenon, which has kept millions of Jews from leaving the Diaspora and settling in the State of Israel after 1948, is not new.   When Jacob crossed over the Yabok river on the night before meeting his brother Esau [this verse], Rashi says that the reason he went back was to get some jars that he did not want to leave behind.   According to many commentaries, this river was the border between Israel and the Diaspora.  Thus, for monetary reasons, Jacob left Israel and, consequently, met up with the angel that made him fight for his life.   [See also, Rashi on Exodus 15:22 and Numbers 32].   AMEMEI 188