parsha bit: Ki Tavo

[cellio]

The parsha tells us that when we enter the land, we are to bring the first fruits of our fields to the temple for an offering. When we do so we are to make a declaration beginning "Arami oveid avi", which we know from the Pesach haggadah -- "my father was a wandering (or fugitive) Aramean". This refers to Avraham. But Rashi interprets the verse differently; "Arami oveid avi" means, to him, "an Aramean sought to destroy my father". This refers to Lavan, who tried to cheat Yaakov. Both our humble beginnings and the threats we have encountered along the way are worth remembering when we thank God for his blessings.

Comments

[zevabe.livejournal.com]

The Rashi seems to have the pshat I am more inclined towards. Yes, Avraham did then go to Egypt, but he didn't stick around long. Lavan, who sought to kill Yaakov, who died in Egypt & began the national exile is the pshat I favor. Surely those who lean toward the Avraham pshat have their reasoning as well.