"U'le'Rivka ach, u'shmo Lavan."
"And Rivka had a brother whose name was Lavan." Genesis 24:29
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The world consists of many types of individuals. There are people who have
fine names but their deeds are wicked, those whose names are consistent with
their good deeds and those whose names like their deeds are unpleasant.
Regarding Lavan, his name was pleasant but his actions were despicable. His
name indicated whiteness and purity yet his heart [and character] was black as
coal. Why did Lavan merit having a name which was so inconsistent with his
character ? Lavan was Rivka's brother. Being the brother of such a righteous woman was a merit in itself and was sufficient reason for him to have a pleasant sounding name. This verse tells us clearly that it was Rivka's brother who was named Lavan. Alternatively, Lavan may be considered a disparaging name. The name Lavan is written with two kametzim and therefore may be read as la(o) van (no knowledge). This verse alludes to Lavan as a man without wisdom. A lack of wisdom is referred to by Isaiah 27:11 ". . . for it is not a nation of understanding; therefore its Maker will not show it mercy. . . " *********************************************************************** Although a person may be considered a rasha, if he attaches himself to a tzadik then he will be zocheh to having a good name.
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