Rabbi Dardashti says ‘Dayenu’ (enough) at Women’s Alliance program

The 60 women who attended the Women’s Alliance Rosh Hodesh program on April 1 were eager to hear from Michelle Dardashti, the new associate chaplain of the university for the Jewish community at Brown and rabbi of Brown RISD Hillel. Rabbi Dardashti, the daughter of an Iranian hazzan (cantor) and an American folk-singer of Eastern-European descent, is married to an Australian Jew, so the audience was eager to find out how her unique background has shaped her approach to text study. 

Rabbi Dardashti did not disappoint. She spoke about the importance of the Passover story and the song “Dayenu.” This very familiar song from the Seder talks about the many kind acts, starting with bringing the Jewish people out of Egypt and ending with leading them to the land of Israel, that God has performed for the Jews. Rabbi Dardashti explored the themes of the song, including gratitude, self-reflection and the meaning of the word “dayeynu.”

Her engaging and witty manner, combined with her Judaic expertise, was praised by the audience.

TRINE LUSTIG is Senior Development Officer of Financial Resource Development for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.