The plagues and subsequent redemption are but one example of the might and protection of God. As we tell this story of triumph, we sing the words of Dayeinu (“It would have been enough”), for just a single act of love from God would have sufficed, and yet God continues to show us compassion. 

אִלּוּ הוֹצִיאָֽנוּ מִמִּצְרַֽיִם,
דַּיֵּנוּ:    

Ilu hotzianu mi-mitzrayim, 
Dayeinu

If God had only taken us out of Egypt, 
that would have been enough!

אִלּוּ נָתַן לָֽנוּ אֶת־הַתּוֹרָה
 דַּיֵּנוּ:

Ilu natan lanu et ha-Torah, 
Dayeinu

If God had only given us the Torah, 
that would have been enough!

Dayeinu tells the entire story of the Exodus from Egypt as a series of miracles God performed for us. It also reminds us that each of our lives is the cumulative result of many blessings, small and large.

If God had taken us out of Egypt and not judged the Egyptians— Dayeinu.
If God had judged the Egyptians, and not their idols— Dayeinu.
If God had judged their idols, and not killed their firstborns— Dayeinu.
If God had killed their firstborns, and not given us their wealth— Dayeinu.
If God had given us their wealth, and not torn the sea in two— Dayeinu.
If God had torn the sea in two, and not let us through it on dry land— Dayeinu.
If God had let us through on dry land, and not drowned our enemies— Dayeinu.
If God had drowned our enemies, and not sustained us with manna in the desert for 40 years— Dayeinu.
If God had fed us manna, and had not given us Shabbat— Dayeinu.
If God had given us Shabbat, and had not brought us to Mount Sinai— Dayeinu.
If God had brought us to Mount Sinai, and had not given us the Torah— Dayeinu.
If God had given us the Torah, and had not brought us to the land of Israel— Dayeinu.
If God had brought us to the land of Israel, and not built the Temple for us— Dayeinu.

Discussion Question


What are the blessings in your life? Go around the table and share the things you feel grateful for in your life, both small and large.


haggadah Section: -- Cup #2 & Dayenu
Source: JewishBoston.com