The source for the words of the Ritva can be found in the holy Zohar (Parashat Bo 40b), which states that one should recite the Haggadah with joy. Similarly, it is written in the book "Yesod v'Shoresh HaAvodah" (Sha'ar 9, Chapter 6) that the essence of the story is the joy and happiness in one's heart. However, an explanation is needed as to where it is hinted in the verses of the commandments of recounting the Exodus from Egypt, such as "Remember this day, etc." (Exodus 10:3) and "And you shall tell your child on that day, etc." (Exodus 13:8), that it should be done with joy.

Even if a source is found that one should recount with joy, as per the words of the Ritva, it is understood practically how to say the Haggadah with joy. However, it is not clear how to recite the Haggadah with thanksgiving, as the text of the Haggadah has already been established, and what is appropriate to say is the text written in a format of thanksgiving.

It should not be said that the intention of the Ritva is in the manner that the Rambam wrote (Sefer HaMitzvot, Aseh 153): "And anyone who adds in speech and lengthens words in the greatness of what God has done for us, etc., and to thank Him for all the good He has bestowed upon us, will be even better." Meaning, that the recounting of the Exodus from Egypt should include gratitude to God for all the good He has bestowed upon us, and apparently this is also the intention of the Ritva. However, from his wording it does not imply so, for he wrote that we are commanded to recount this with joy and thanksgiving. It implies that the recounting itself, in other words, the text of the Haggadah, should be said in a manner of joy and thanksgiving, and not to add thanksgiving itself to the essence of the story. Therefore, an explanation of the intention in this matter is needed.