Parasha Va-yeytzey: Genesis 28:10-32:3

After Jacob flees from his murderous brother in Be'er Sheva, he goes towards Charan, today in southeastern Turkey. He overnights en route, and sees in a dream a ladder set earthward and heavenward. Going up and down the ladder he sees God's angels. And God is standing over him! God tells Jacob that He will give him and his offspring the ground upon which he is lying, and He will not forsake him. After this Jacob continues on to Charan where he meets his mother's brother, Laban, as well as the love of his life, Rachel. Laban makes sure his oldest daughter, Leah, is not forgotten, and cleverly includes her in the deal, along with his maidservants Bilhah and Zilpah. All four women birth at least two sons (Leah births six sons and one daughter), and Jacob's legacy is begun. After working for Laban twenty years, Jacob senses Laban is no longer as friendly as he used to be. After some shenanigans with sheep and goat mating, and during sheep shearing time, Jacob escapes with his wives, children and flocks and flees back towards his father, Isaac, in Canaan. God remains with him, and Jacob 'cordially' parts ways with Laban.