Vayetze

Do Not Oppress the Migrant Worker

Adapted from Sam Berrin Shonkoff (AJWS)

Ya'akov is a migrant worker. He flees from a dangerous situation at home and takes refuge in Charan. In this foreign area, he does arduous agricultural work for his uncle, Lavan, who assumes the role of deceptive and abusive employer. Because Ya'akov arrives destitute, Lavan easily takes advantage of him. From Lavan's perspective, this presents a wonderful opportunity for economic growth, both for himself and for his community.

Midrash emphasizes the collective nature of this exploitation with the following story. Lavan gathers all the residents of Charan and reminds them that Ya'akov's labor has improved their economic situation. "Do as you think fit," the people respond. Lavan then announces that he will dishonestly persuade Ya'akov to stay seven more years. For selfish reasons, the community tacitly encourages Lavan.

Millions of migrant workers today suffer the consequences of this thinking. Powerful nations reap the benefits, gaining a flexible labor supply and avoiding social costs of health care, fair wages and overtime pay. Our country, and each one of us, depends on migrant work being done cheaply across the globe.

Perhaps we are meant to draw a lesson from the story of our own ancestor's exploitation. For Jewish tradition condemns exploitation such as that experienced by Ya'akov. Torah teaches, "Do not oppress the hired laborer who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your people or one of the sojourners in your land within your gates" (Devarim/Deuteronomy 24:14-15).

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