In the traditional Passover Seder, we thank God for the miracles God performed, and, after reciting each miracle, reply aloud "Dayenu" -- this alone would have been enough and for this we are grateful.

Hunger is a slavery of our times, a bondage from which we continue to struggle.  Yet, though our freedom from hunger is incomplete, we have taken great steps forward in the fight against hunger and oppression in the United States.

We take time now to reflect on all those things we have already overcome, the steps towards freedom we have already achieved, the blessings we can count in our daily lives.  After each blessing, we take a moment to say together "Dayenu -- for this we are grateful."

We are grateful so many among us do not suffer from the oppression and hardship of daily hunger.  Dayenu

We are grateful for living in a democracy where we are able to influence our government's priorities.  Dayenu

We are greatful for the many opportunities to direct local and national attention to hunger issues.  Dayenu

We are grateful to those who use their hands to stock a food bank, their feet to march to Capitol Hill, and their voices to demand justice.  Dayenu

We are grateful that we have the Passover Seder to use as a tool to teach our children about the exodus from Egypt as well as modern day oppression from hunger and poverty so they will appreciate the struggles of oppression and continue the work of making our world a better place.  Dayenu

We are grateful for these things and more.  We have the power to make change in our world and to end the oppression of hunger for our children and our children's children.  Next year, may our own actions to end hunger be included among these things for which we are grateful.


haggadah Section: -- Cup #2 & Dayenu
Source: Jewish Council for Public Affairs