Dayenu: A Passover Lesson

Without a doubt, Passover is my favorite holiday. Pesach requires a great deal of preparation and I suppose that is one reason why so many of my Jewish friends don't like this holiday. But I love preparing for the Seder, sharing the message of freedom with friends and family, and watching the excitement glowing in my children's eyes. The festive meal, the energetic singing, and the sheer joy of the day make Passover the highlight of the year for me.

Almost fifteen years ago I faced a great challenge in preparing for Seder that year. My youngest was only a toddler. She was born with Down's Syndrome, a chromosomal disorder. Among other challenges that she faces is the reality that she is mentally retarded. I wanted very badly to make sure that she was able to learn and enjoy all the richness of Judaism for herself. How was I to "diligently teach" a child whose ability to learn might be severely restricted? She had not even spoken her first word yet! We had involved her in every Jewish observance since the day she came home from the hospital as an infant, but I had no idea if she had retained anything from these experiences.

As I often do when confronted with a dilemma I cannot solve, I consulted a trusted rabbi. His response was illuminating.

"The Torah doesn't tell us to make our children into little rabbis. It simply commands us to teach them diligently. If you teach, she will learn!"

With renewed confidence I prepared to teach on Seder night. My little student sat silently at the end of the table. Was she following anything I was saying? I could not tell. Then we arrived at that magical moment when we recite the wonders that Hashem has done for us, and declare Dayenu, "it is enough for us."

To the great amazement of us all, my daughter joined in singing, "Day..dayenu, dayenu dayenu!" She sang her first word...a Hebrew word...Dayenu! 

If she had only clapped her hands, it would have been enough! If she had sung some unintelligible babble, Dayenu! But she sang "Dayenu" in perfect Hebrew

Today my daughter chants the candle lighting blessings on Shabbos and Yom Tov. She literally runs to kiss the Torah scroll in synagogue. She sings heartily the Hebrew songs that she has learned. And she lives a truly Jewish life. How much more we bless Hashem for all the multiple blessing she has given us! Dayenu!

As you prepare for Passover, my family joins me in wishing for you and those you love the Passover Joy that we have. Dayenu!

Related Links:
Pesach - Torah Tots
Games and Tips for the Seder
Passover for Kids - Tzivos Hashem Kids