FAQ
Leah
Biblical, exact dates uncertain, ancient Israel
The Old Testament figure Leah was the daughter of Laban, a shepherd who was visited by Jacob, son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, in his search for a wife. He performed seven years of service for Laban in exchange for Rachel, the younger daughter, but Laban gave him Leah instead, saying it was customary to marry off the oldest daughter first. He wed Leah and then a week later married Rachel, both of whom were in competition to provide sons to Jacob throughout their lives. Leah bore many sons—in the Book of Genesis, she is recorded as the ancestor of five of the Twelve Tribes of Israel—while Rachel remained barren for most of her life, eventually conceiving two sons many years into the marriage.
Related Place Setting
Related Heritage Floor Entries
Abigail
Athaliah
Beruriah
Deborah
Esther
Eve
Huldah
Jezebel
Lilith
Maacah
Miriam
Naomi
Rachel
Rebekah
Ruth
Sarah
Vashti
Witch of Endor
Zipporah
Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum