 When we reach the part of the Haggadah that tells of the plagues, it is the custom for each person to spill ten drops of wine as we say the names of the ten plagues. Why do we do this? We are grateful that God delivered our people from slavery, but we are also sad that the Egyptians suffered because of the plagues. We show our sorrow by taking away from the fullness of our cup. |
THE TELLING
The telling begins with the description of four types of children: one intelligent, one rebellious, one slow to learn, and one shy. This is another way of saying that all people need to hear the story of Passover.
Then everyone joins in telling about the Story of the Exodus, and we list, in song, the many miracles God performed.
"Had God split the Sea of Reeds for us
But not brought us through on dry land
Dayenu! [It would have been enough!]
Had God brought us through on dry land
But not helped us in the wilderness--Dayenu!
Had God helped in the wilderness
But not fed us with manna--Dayenu!"
