If we had built the temple and had no wise people to share their vision with
us…dayenu - If we had wise people who saw truth and spoke it to us and we were not
wise enough to take it to heart…dayenu - If we were wise enough to take it to
heart And never lifted a hand to make it happen . . . dayenu -
We would probably
still be in Egypt!
So let’s bring Dayenu into the present, tonight. We have a vision, we take it to heart, and we work hard to make it happen. We are grateful, and yet what miracles and accomplishments would be sufficient (Dayenu) in today’s word for us to be truly satisfied?
When all the workers of the world receive just compensation and respect for their labors, enjoy safe, healthy, and secure working conditions, and can take pride in their work . . . Dayenu
When governments end the escalating production of devastating weapons, secure in the knowledge that they will not be necessary . . .Dayenu
When technology for the production and conservation of energy and other natural resources is developed so that we can maintain responsible and comfortable lifestyles – and still assure a safe environment for our children . . . Dayenu
When the air, water, fellow creatures and beautiful world are protected for the benefit and enjoyment of all, and given priority over development for the sake of
profit . . . Dayenu
When all people live freely in their own countries, practicing their beliefs and cultures without interference or persecution . . . Dayenu
When all women and men are allowed to make their own decisions on matters regarding their own bodies and their personal relationships without discrimination or legal consequences . . .
Dayenu
When people of all ages, sexes, races, religions, cultures and nations respect and appreciate one another…Dayenu
When all children grow up in freedom, without hunger, and with the love and support needed to realize their full potential . . . Dayenu
When children, women, and men are free of the threat of violence, abuse, and domination; when personal power and strength are not used as
weapons . . . Dayenu
When all people have access to the information and care they need for their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being…Dayenu
When food, shelter and health care are accepted as human rights, not as commodities, and are available to all . . . Dayenu
When no elderly person in our society has to fear hunger, cold, or
loneliness . . . Dayenu
When the peoples of the Middle East, and all peoples living in strife, are able to create paths to just and lasting peace . . . Dayenu
When people everywhe
re have the opportunities we have to celebrate our culture and use it as a basis to work for progressive change in the world . . . Dayenu
If tonight each person could say, “this year I worked as hard as I could toward my goals for improving this world, so that one day all people can experience the joy and freedom I feel sitting with my family and friends at the Seder table” . . .