Is It Ever Dayenu?

Haggadah Section: -- Cup #2 & Dayenu

Dayenu is a text about counting our blessings. We give thanks for everything that we have, and acknowledge the abundance in our lives. We also use this text as a catalyst for thinking about what really would be enough for us. Here is another interpretation of the idea of 'enough' - let's read it together, and then take a few minutes to consider what each of us can do to work towards a world in which we can all finally say Dayenu.

Lo Dayenu
(It is not enough - it does not suffice)

God has brought us out of slavery in Egypt,
And not freed the other slaves of the world,
and though we are thankful, it does not suffice us.
Lo Dayenu

God has brought us to the prosperity of this table,
and not fed all the people of even our own city,
and though we are thankful, it does not suffice us.
Lo Dayenu

(Men only)
God has made us as free men
While many women still suffer oppression,
and though we are thankful, it does not suffice us.
Lo Dayenu

God has brought us closer to racial and religious equality here,
but has not brought it to all the people of the world,
and though we are thankful, it does not suffice us.
Lo Dayenu

God has given us lives of peace, far from war,
While people die for tyrants power in many lands,
and though we are thankful, it does not suffice us.
Lo Dayenu

God has given us powerful tools to build plenty for all,
and they are turned to weapons of war,
and though we are thankful, it does not suffice us.
Lo Dayenu

God has lifted the madman's yoke of genocide from us,
and still allows us to discriminate Jew from Jew,
by the colour of skin,
and Semite from Semite by religion and land in Israel, the Middle East and the world
and though we are thankful, it does not suffice us.
Lo Dayenu

God has asked us, through the prophet Hillel,
'If I am only for myself, what am I?'
and still we do not rise up for all people's struggles
as one,
and though we are thankful, it does not suffice us.
Lo Dayenu

God has asked us, 'If not now, when?'
and still we delay action for justice, saying 'soon',
and though we are thankful, it does not suffice us.
Lo Dayenu

God has told us that each generation must
make freedom for all, with our own hands,
and when we join together, and make the world good,
good enough for Elijah to come,
then we will be thankful, and then it will suffice us. Dayenu!

Source:  
Ken Wyman 14 Nissan 5742 10 April 1982

Inspired to create
your own Haggadah?

Make your own Haggadah and share with other Seder lovers around the world

Have an idea
for a clip?

People like you bring their creativity to Haggadot.com when they share their ideas in a clip

Support Us
with your donation

Help us build moments of meaning and connection through
home-based Jewish rituals.

OUR TOP CONTRIBUTORS

contributor image
Esther Kustanowitz
4 Haggadahs41 Clips
contributor image
JQ International
1 Haggadah40 Clips
contributor image
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
5 Haggadahs109 Clips
contributor image
18Doors
1 Haggadah13 Clips
contributor image
JewishBoston
1 Haggadah78 Clips
contributor image
Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
1 Haggadah36 Clips
contributor image
American Jewish World Service
1 Haggadah44 Clips
contributor image
JewBelong
3 Haggadahs57 Clips
contributor image
Repair the World
12 Clips
contributor image
HIAS
5 Haggadahs48 Clips
contributor image
Be'chol Lashon
2 Haggadahs27 Clips
contributor image
PJ Library
1 Haggadah17 Clips
contributor image
Jewish World Watch
3 Haggadahs42 Clips
contributor image
Secular Synagogue
10 Clips
contributor image
SVIVAH
1 Haggadah9 Clips
contributor image
The Blue Dove Foundation
20 Clips
contributor image
ReformJudaism.org
24 Clips
contributor image
Jewish Emergent Network
1 Haggadah22 Clips

Passover Guide

Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
know more about the holiday? Explore our Passover 101 Guide for answers
to all of your questions.

Haggadot

Haggadot.com by Recustom, is a free resource for all backgrounds and experiences. Consider making a donation to help support the continuation of this free platform.

Copyright © 2024 Custom and Craft Jewish Rituals Inc, dba Recustom, dba Haggadot.com.
All Rights Reserved. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN: 82-4765805.