Picking Pockets
Lavan immediately ran to greet Yaakov and gave him a big hug and kiss.
Wasn’t that sweet? Well, not really. Lavan actually hugged him so that he could check Yaakov’s money belt. He remembered how Avraham’s servant, Eliezer, had come to Charan with 10 camels stacked high with jewels and riches. So he thought, “If the servants of that family bring such expensive gifts, imagine what Yitzchak’s own son must have with him!”
Yaakov sadly proceeded to tell Lavan how he was forced to give away all the gifts and money to his nephew Elifaz.
Disappointed, Lavan told Yaakov, “Well, what are relatives for? Stay in my house for a month and take care of my sheep. Of course, I can’t expect you to work for free, Yaakov, so let’s discuss your salary.”
