DAYENU

    As we approach Shabbat Hagadol, one wonders what type of greatness should this Shabbat engender in our hearts and minds?The Yom Tov of Pesach will inspire us to achieve a life of great spiritual growth. 

    As we prepare to search for the Chametz before Pesach, please travel with me on this Paschal road to search for our individual greatness which is latent in all of us.

    Let us begin our travels with a question; Which is the most popular and most favorite song that is sung at the Seder? My answer to this rhetorical question is the song 'Dayenu'. This song is not only very popular for Jews it seems to be the  favorite  even for those who are not Jewish.

    The song Dayenu praises Hashem for all the Nissim, miracles, and wonders that He has brought forth for all of us down through the ages. And yet, when I look at the words of the song I am astounded at what is recorded;

     For example אלו קרע לנו את הים ולא העבירנו בתוכםבחרבה דינו

   "Had G-D caused the sea to divide but not caused us to cross it on dry land, Dayenu, it would have been enough".

    Would that really have been enough. Why? We would not have been saved, we would have drowned. How can we say in such a situation, Dayenu?

   Let's read another verse; אלו קרבנו לפני הר סני ולא נתן לנו את התורה דינו

  "Had He brought us to Mt. Sinai and had not given us the Torah. Dayenu, it would have been enough." Can we really say it would have been enough to be without the Torah?Could we, as Jews, lived without the Torah? That to me is 

unimaginable.

   I am even more perplexed with the next statement; אלו נתן לנו את התורה ולא הכנסנו לארץ ישראל דינו

   "Had He given us the Torah and not brought us to the Promised Land of Israel, Dayenu.

  Really? Where would we be today without the State of Israel?

   The answer to my question, is indeed simple and profound. It all depends upon how we read the word Dayenu. If we read it as an interrogative statement ,then it is a question, Dayenu? Would it have been enough? Or do we read it as a declarative statement,Dayenu! It would have been enough!

   Therefore, when we sing the song Dayenu, we may need a certain kind of inflection, to state how we feel, about each idea expressed.

    However, I believe there is an important lesson to learn from the Dayenu concept;

    There are times in life that a person should say, "It's enough" and there are times in life when a person should ask, "Is it really enough?"

   Our minds this Pesach are confused by the horrific deaths of seven angelic children who perished in the fire. More then ever we are to embrace, to cherish and to love our own children with greater involvement in their  lives. 

    I am sure you realize that our entire  Seder  centers around the idea of הגדת לבנך, to teach our children.  Our main focus at the Seder table is our children.   

    Psychologically speaking, it is important when it comes to children to know when to say Dayenu ! It is enough! and it is well to be satisfied in your accomplishments and to feel a great sense of self worth.  And then there  are times when we need to inquire into their behavior and into their negative feelings and say Dayenu, isn't it enough? And stop acting in such a  hurtful manner .

   Children and adults have to learn that not every soldier can be a General, but everyone can be a good soldier, by reaching his or her potential. 

    However, at the same time one should not say Dayenu, and to be satisfied with the status quo. Such an attitude is often counter productive.

    As we put our lives into the proper 'Seder,' and as we sit down at the 'Seder,' which in essence is a meal of education, we are to remember; "It is not the lowering of human standards we are searching for, but rather to encourage greater avenues of achievement.  

      Let us recite the Kiddush, encouraging us to have a life filled with Kedusha leading, eventually, to the drinking of the fifth Kos, the Kos Shel Eliyahu, heralding our true Geulah Shlemah, Dayenu!!!!!!