In a previous blog, I addressed the widespread demonization of Laban, the Aramean often portrayed as a swindler, whose ethnicity in Jewish tradition—arami—was twisted into the label ramai, “cheater.” This week, I want to explore him from another angle: as a deeply human, honorable, and tragic figure. Laban is more than a foil to Jacob; he is a father and brother who seeks to preserve his family and suffers profound personal loss. Viewed through this lens, his actions are not purely self-interested, but motivated by love and family obligations (Genesis 31:43-52). We first meet Laban in the story of his beloved sister Rebekah, who is swept away by Abraham’s servant:

“They called Rebekah and said to her, ‘Will you go with this man?’ And she said, ‘I will.’ So they sent off their sister Rebekah and her nurse along with Abraham’s servant and his men. And he blessed Rebekah and said, ‘O sister! May you grow into thousands of myriads…’” (Genesis 24:50-61)

Rebekah departs forever, leaving Laban and his family behind. It is a loss that echoes throughout Laban’s life, shaping his responses to Jacob twenty years later. When Jacob, penniless and fleeing his home, arrives in Haran, it is Laban’s youngest daughter, Rachel, who first encounters him. Excited, she brings Jacob home, telling her father about the stranger who miraculously lifted the stone from the well. Upon learning Jacob is Rebekah’s son, Laban’s reaction........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)