Dayeinu for Passover 2024
Dayeinu.
It would have been enough…
Dayeinu.
If only we had been able to celebrate Simchat Torah on October 7th with the shouts of joy in the streets instead of the sirens in our boulevards—it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only our safe rooms kept us truly safe—it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only the dancing at the festival had continued until the next morning—it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only the world had understood that true evil exists—-it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only all the hostages would have been released—-it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only the voices of women worldwide had joined in support of Israeli women—it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only all the nations of the world had condemned the perpetrators rather than the victims when our cries and screams were still reverberating in the heavens—it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only all our allies—those with whom we have supported and walked arm in arm had raised their voices- it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only Israeli military leaders had heeded the warnings and cautions—it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only children held captive could have been united with their parents—it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only parents held captive could have been united with their children—it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only we would use religion for peace and not for hatred—it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only an outstretched arm had really redeemed us—it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only our tears had never been so bitter—it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only Elijah would appear in our doorways—it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only all those still held hostage were seated at our seder tables—it would have been enough.
Dayeinu.
If only—if only—it would have been enough…
Dayeinu v’lo dayeinu.
It is not enough, and it is not enough.
ACC member, Cantor Evan Kent, is Cantor Emeritus, Temple Isaiah, Los Angeles. He serves as Cantor for Beth Shalom, Milan, Italy. He and his husband, Rabbi Don Goor, live in Israel. Cantor Kent welcomes you to use this version of Dayeinu at your Passover Seder and to share with attribution. Click here for a printable PDF version of this prayer.