HALLEL

(Hal·lelʹ).

A song of praise to Jehovah. Psalms 113 to 118 constitute what is known in Jewish writings as the “Egyptian Hallel.” According to the Mishnah, this Hallel was sung at the temple and in the synagogues on the occasion of the Passover (Pesahim 10:5-7) and the festivals of Pentecost, Booths, and Dedication (Sukkah 4:8; Taʽanit 4:5). At the celebration of the Passover in the home, the first part of this Hallel (either Psalm 113 [according to the School of Shammai] or Psalms 113 and 114 [School of Hillel]) was recited after the second cup of wine had been poured and the significance of the Passover explained. The Hallel was brought to a conclusion over the fourth cup of wine. The “Great Hallel” (variously considered to be Psalm 136 only, Psalms 120-136, or Psalm 135:4–136:26) is said to have been sung on joyful occasions and by those who used a fifth cup of wine at the celebration of the Passover.