SEDER NIGHT AND THE FIRST FRUITS DECLARATION

One of the central texts of the Haggadah comes from an unexpected source – it is the mandated script of the declaration said by those who bring their first fruit to the priests in Jerusalem each year. The Midrashic interpretation of this text used by the Haggadah to explain its connection to Seder Night links the patriarch Jacob’s father-in-law Lavan to the declaration. But the interpretation seems extremely tenuous and forced, and the inclusion of Lavan in the Haggadah is puzzling.

Rabbi Dunner offers a number of interesting insights into this enigmatic Midrash, as well as offer a number of alternative ideas that can help us understand why this particular series of Torah verses are so suited to the purpose of Seder Night.