The plagues and subsequent redemption from Egypt are just one example of the compassion God has shown throughout history. We say the word “dayeinu” to express the feeling that if God had done any one of the many kindnesses she has, it would have been enough. 

.

Ilu hotzi- hotzianu, Hotzianu mi-mitzrayim Hotzianu mi-mitzrayim, Dayeinu

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

Ilu natan natan lanu, natan lanu et ha-Torah, Natan lanu et ha-Torah , Dayeinu

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

.

The complete lyrics to Dayeinu tell the entire story of the Exodus from Egypt as a series of miracles God performed for us. (The full lyrics are included in the Appendix if we feel like singing it now.)

.

Dayeinu also reminds us that each of our lives is the cumulative result of many blessings, small and large.


haggadah Section: -- Cup #2 & Dayenu