Dayenu!

By Alicia Feldman, PJ Library Coordinator

The classic seder song, “Dayenu,” is not merely a reflection on Passover, but a model for true thanks.

Dayenu means “it would have been enough.” And not in a kvetchy or sarcastic way! Dayenu is a sincere expression of gratitude of the Jewish people.

It’s rare to hear people say, when commenting on a blessing in their lives, “It’s enough.” Who doesn’t want an abundance of happiness?

However, immediately after we tell of the exodus from Egypt in the Haggadah, we break into a 15-stanza song proclaiming how it would have been enough just to be brought out from slavery in Egypt, to get the Torah, to be gifted Shabbat, etc...

We all sing jubilantly and in unison, dayenu – It is enough.

Why? What is the song “Dayenu” really saying? Some modern interpretation suggests the song beautifully captures what all deep gratitude should look like: Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.

We don’t realize how lucky we are until we speak our blessings in detail. Dayenu is not merely a reflection on Passover, but a template for true thanks and contentment with what we have.

What does it mean to have enough? When are we content? When do you say dayenu in a grateful way in your life? How do we teach our children to have gratitude, to be content?

In the spirit of expressing gratitude, I want to say how truly grateful I am for my beautiful friends and cherished family, the Jewish community in the Greater Naples area, my coworkers at JFGN and, of course, our PJ Library families. We are a growing, caring and supportive community. I am honored and grateful to be a part of it. Dayenu!

I hope to see everyone at our Passover Park Playdate on Sunday, April 10, 3 p.m. at the “Can You Dig It” playground, where we can enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the holiday together.