Song

By Hebrew Helpers

Look to this day, for it is life, the very life of life.

In its brief course lie all the realities and verities of existence,

The bliss of growth, the glory of action, the splendor of achievement,

Are but experiences of time.

For yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is only a vision

But today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,

and every tomorrow, a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore, to this day.

Such is the salutation to the ever-new dawn!

Dayenu. The word simply means: it would have been enough.

The song lists everything God did for the Israelites on the way from slavery to freedom — and after each gift, we stop and say: even just that, on its own, would have been enough.

If You had only heard us crying in Egypt - Dayenu

If You had only helped us leave slavery behind - Dayenu

If You had only watched over us in the night - Dayenu

If You had only made a path for us through the sea - Dayenu

If You had only led us safely through the desert - Dayenu

If You had only given us food when we were hungry - Dayenu

If You had only given us water when we were thirsty - Dayenu

If You had only brought us to Mount Sinai - Dayenu

If You had only given us teachings to help us live with kindness and wisdom - Dayenu

If You had only taught us to remember the stranger and care for others - Dayenu

But You gave us so many gifts:

freedom, food, water, hope, and love.

For every gift, we say thank You.

For every step, we say Dayenu.

Dayenu. Dayenu. Dayenu.

(Sing Dayeinu)

Refrain

Dai, dayenu, dai dayenu,

Dai dayenu, dayenu, dayenu, dayenu (repeat)

1. Ilu hotzi hotzianu

Hotzianu mimitzrayim,

Hotzianu mimitzrayim,

Dayenu Refrain

2. Ilu natan natan lanu

Natan lanu et hatorah

Natan lanu et hatorah

Dayenu Refrain

3. Ilu natan natan lanu,

Natan lanu et hashabbat,

Natan lanu et hashabbat,

Dayenu Refrain

In every generation, each of us is obligated to see ourselves as if we personally left Egypt.

The story is not something that happened to other people a long time ago.

It happened to us. It is still happening — every time someone is oppressed, every time someone is freed, every time we choose to notice suffering rather than look away.

We raise our glasses for the second cup of wine — for freedom.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p'ree hagafen.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

(Drink the second cup)