Maggid: Dayenu

Before you complete the challenge, read the text below. This is the way.

 

Gratitude rejoices with her sister, joy, and is always ready to light a candle and have a party. Gratitude doesn’t much like the old cronies of boredom, despair, and taking life for granted.

- Reb Nachman of Bratslav (18th-19th Century Hasidic leader)

 

The repeated verses of Dayenu - a long list of historical things for which we’re grateful - are a mindful meditation that can protect against the boredom, despair, and taking life for granted that Reb Nachman warns about. After each verse, we sing dayenu - “it would have been enough!” It’s often not enough to just want to be emotionally grateful; we have to actively cultivate an attitude of gratitude through practices, rituals, and greater awareness.

Activity: Gratitude

First, set a timer for 90 seconds.

Start writing a list of seemingly little things others have done for you for which you’re grateful:

  • In the past day?

  • In the past week?

  • In the past month?

  • In the past year?

Collect 2 points for each item on your list.

Collect an additional 1 point for texting a friend and asking what they’re grateful for, for up to 4 friends.

Collect an additional 3 points for each reply message you receive! Stop adding points once you cross the finish line - if they haven’t replied by then, it doesn’t count!