Difference between revisions of "Hallel"

<p> <b> [[Hallel]] </b> <b> ( </b> ‘praise’).—A technical [[Hebrew]] liturgical term, applied in Rabbinical literature to certain Psalms and psalm-pieces of praise, which characteristically have as their keynote the expression <i> [[Hallelujah]] </i> (‘Praise ye Jah’). It is more particularly applied to one group of Psalms (113–118) regarded as a liturgical unit (so always in the Synagogue-liturgy). </p> <p> Psalms 113-118 form ‘the Hallel’ κατʼ ἐξοχήν, as distinguished from the ‘Hallel of Egypt’* [Note: הללאהמצדי Ber. 56. See J. Müller, . cit. p. 288. In a (Bab. . 118) Psalms 145-148 are apparently called a ‘Hallel.’] (Psalms 113-114) and the ‘great Hallel’ (הללהנרול) which is usually understood to mean Psalms 136. In the [[Talmud]] and Midrash, however, the Psalms included in the ‘great Hallel’ are variously given, viz.: (1) Psalms 136, (2) &nbsp;Psalms 135:4-21, and (3) Psalms 120-136. The question is discussed in Jerus. [Note: Jerusalem.] <i> Pes </i> . v. 7. See, further, Joel Muller, note to <i> [[Sopherim]] </i> xviii. 2 (p. 253). In one passage of the [[Mishna]] ( <i> Pes </i> . x. 5) the Hallel (Psalms 113-118) is designated ‘Hallelujah.’ For ‘half-Hallel’ see below. </p> <p> <b> 1 </b> . <i> Origin </i> .—In its present form the Psalm-group (113–118) seems clearly to have been compiled for liturgical purposes at a comparatively late date. The most probable view is that the collection was formed in Maccabaean times for recitation on the Feast of <i> H </i> ănukk <i> â </i> (Dedication), on the eight days of which it is still chanted in the synagogue. </p> <p> &nbsp;Psalms 118:24 (‘This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it’) points to some day of public thanksgiving; &nbsp;Psalms 118:4-24 suggest the [[Syrian]] war, and recovery of and entrance into the Temple. At the same time, the collection embodies other elements. Thus &nbsp;Psalms 118:25-29 seems to be an old song of praise for the Feast of Tabernacles. With this agrees the fact that, according to an old tradition preserved in the [[Jerusalem]] Talmud ( <i> Sukka </i> iv. 5),* [Note: also Bab. Arakhin, 12a.] the Hallel was recited on ‘eighteen days and one night of the year—the eight days of Tabernacles; the eight of <i> Hânukkâ </i> ; [[Pentecost]] (one day); and the first day of [[Passover]] with its (preceding) night.’ It is noticeable that [[Tabernacles]] and <i> Hânukkâ </i> are placed first in this list; and it should he remembered that the fatter feast seems originally to have been regarded as a sort of extension or reduplication of the former (cf. &nbsp;2 [[Maccabees]] 1:9); Cheyne ( <i> [[O]] </i> P [Note: P Origin of the Psalter.] p. 33, note n) remarks: ‘that the recitation of the Hallel on these occasions [Dedication and Tabernacles] goes back to Simon can hardly be doubted.’† [Note: Peritz (Encyc. Bibl. s.v. ‘Hallel’) connects the liturgical recitation of the Hallel with the Passover-meal (he denies that it was sung in the Temple-service), and thinks that it attained its present compass only ‘during the first half of the second century.’ But this is to ignore the data given above, which connect it primarily with Tabernacles and Hănukkâ.] A curious indication of its liturgical use may perhaps be seen in the fact that the [[Midrash]] on the Psalms counts only <i> five </i> psalms in the Hallel, Psalms 115 not being regarded. The LXX [[Septuagint]] and many Hebrew MSS [Note: SS Manuscripts.] treat the latter psalm as part of Psalms 114. The reason assigned in one of the smaller Midrâshim is as follows: ‘The Torâ consists of five-fifths; the [[Psalter]] of five-fifths; and the Hallel of five-fifths.’ </p> <p> <b> 2 </b> . <i> [[Jewish]] liturgical usage </i> .—As already stated, the Hallel, according to tradition, was regularly recited at the [[Feasts]] of Tabernacles, Dedication, Pentecost, and Passover (first day and preceding night).‡ [Note: With the doubling of the initial days of [[Festivals]] that takes place ‘in exile,’ the 18 days originally comprised in the above now amount to 21, and 1 night to 2.] </p> <p> On certain other days of the year it became customary to recite the Hallel, viz.: on the last 6 days of Passover, and on new moons other than the new moon of Tishrî (which introduces the solemn penitential period). But this usage was apparently late and unauthorized. This is shown ( <i> a </i> ) by the omission on these days of two sections of the complete Hallel, viz.: &nbsp;Psalms 115:1-11; &nbsp;Psalms 116:1-11;§ [Note: Hence the designation ‘half-Hallel’ for this form.] and ( <i> b </i> ) that both [[Rashi]] and [[Maimonides]] protested against the use of the regular benediction before ‘half Hallel,’ on the ground that its employment on these days was merely a pious custom without authority. </p> <p> The recitation of the Hallel is preceded and followed by special blessings.|| [Note: | For these cf. Singer’s Heb.-Eng. Prayer-Book, pp. 219, 224.] [[Certain]] parts are also recited with a responsive refrain: </p> <p> ( <i> a </i> ) The first four verses of Psalms 118 are said by the Reader, the people responding after each: ‘O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.’ ( <i> b </i> ) The last nine verses of the same Psalm are also repeated, in part alternately, in part together, by [[Reader]] and congregation. </p> <p> According to the Mishna ( <i> Pes </i> . v. 7), which embodies old and (there is every reason to believe) trustworthy traditions as to the Temple-ritual, the complete Hallel was recited by the [[Levites]] during the slaughter of the [[Paschal]] lambs in the Temple-courts.¶ [Note: For a graphic description of this see Edersheim, The Temple: its [[Ministry]] and Services, p. 191 f.] The use of Hallel in the Paschal meal at <i> home </i> , when the lamb was eaten, must be carefully distinguished from the above. Here the data are somewhat conflicting. </p> <p> According to the Mishna ( <i> Pes </i> . x. 6 and 7), the Hallel was here recited in two parts, and this is still the custom at the Jewish Paschal meal. The first part (Psalms 113-114) immediately follows the Haggâdâ proper (the narrative of redemption) and precedes the drinking of the second cup of wine. It is appropriately closed by a special benediction for redemption. The second part (Psalms 115-118, followed by 136 and the ‘Blessing of Song’) follows after the mixing of the fourth cup, when the banquet and grace after meat have been completed. And this arrangement is attested in the Mishna ( <i> ib </i> .). The contenta of the first part were, however, a subject in dispute between the schools of [[Shammai]] and Hillel, the former concluding it at Psalms 113, the latter at Psalms 114. The wording of the benediction for redemption was also not fully determined ( <i> ib </i> .). It looks as though the recitation of the Hallel in the home-service were a reminiscence of the Temple-ritual, the family meal being partaken of between the two parts as a family sacrifice, just as the Passover lamb was sacrificed in the [[Temple]] during the singing of the Hallel. The custom, as the Mishna suggests, may quite well have arisen before the destruction of the Temple. </p> <p> <b> 3 </b> . <i> Usage in the [[Gospels]] </i> .—It is usually assumed that the hymn referred to in &nbsp;Matthew 26:30 | &nbsp;Mark 14:26 (‘when they had sung a hymn’ [ὑμνήσαντες]) was the second part of the Hallel (Psalms 115-118)* [Note: According to the school of Shammai, Psalms 114-118.] sung at the conclusion of the Paschal supper (see above). This is quite possible, in view of the probability that the custom had been established in connexion with the Paschal meal in the time of Christ. </p> <p> In Delitzsch’s <i> Heb. NT </i> the expression is well paraphrased: ‘After they had completed the Hallel’ (נמראת־ההלל). But there are some indications that the usage was subject to variation in the earlier period. Thus, according to one authority, for the ‘completion’ of the Hallel at the Paschal meal Psalms 25 might suffice (. 118). The expression ὑμνήσαντες certainly suggests a Paschal meal. It is significant, however, that it is absent from the Lukan account. </p> <p> Literature.—Besides the works cited in the body of the article, the following are important: art. ‘Hallel’ in the <i> Jewish Encyc </i> ., with the authorities there enumerated; Delitzsch on Psalms 113; Büchler, <i> ZAT </i> W [Note: ATW Zeitschrift für die Alttest. Wissenchaft.] xx. [1900] 114–135; Buxtorf, <i> Rabb. Lex. </i> (ed. Fischer) <i> s.v. </i> הלל; Hamburger, <i> RE </i> ii. 353 ff. </p> <p> G. H. Box. </p>

<p> (הִלֵּל, Gr. ὕμνος ), the designation of a particular part of the hymnal service, chanted in the Temple and in the family on certain festivals. </p> <p> '''1.''' ''Origins Of The Name, Contents Of The Service, Etc.'' The name ''Hallel','' הִלֵּל, which signifies ''Praise,'' is κατ᾿ ἐξοχόν, given to this distinct portion of the hymnal service because it consists of Psalms 113-118, which are Psalms of praise, and because this group of Psalms begins with Hallelujah, הֲלְלוּיָהּ ''..'' It is also called הִלֵּל הִמַּצְרַי, ''The Egyptian Hallel,'' because it was chanted in the Temple with the Passover lambs, which were first enjoined in Egypt, were being slain. There is another [[Hallel]] called הִלֵּל הִגָּדוֹלּ, the Great Hallel (so called because of the reiterated response after every verse, "For thy mercy endureth forever," in Psalms 136; which is part of this ''Hollel),'' which, according to R. Jehudah ''(Pesachim,'' 118) and Maimonides, comprises Psalms 118-136 ''(Jod Ha-Chezaka, Hilchoth Chanmez. Maza, 8:'' 10). Others, however, though agreeing that this Hallel ends with Psalms 136, maintain that it begins with Psalms 120 or &nbsp;Psalms 135:4 (Pesachin, 118). </p> <p> '''2.''' ''Time And [[Manner]] In Which It Was Chanted. —'' This hymnal service, or Egyptian Hallel, was chanted at the sacrifice of the first and second Pesach, after the daily sacrifice on the first day of Passover (Mishna, ''Pesachim,'' 5, 7), after the morning sacrifice on the Feast of Pentecost, the eight days of the Feast of Tabernacles (Mishna, Succa, 4, 8), and the eight days of the Feast of [[Dedication]] (Mishna; Taanith, 5, 5), making in all twenty days in the year. "On twelve days out of the twenty, viz., at the sacrifice of the first and second Pesach, of the first day of Pesach, of the Feast of Pentecost, and of the eight days of the Feast of Tabernacles, the flute was played before the altar when the Hallel was chanted" (Mishna, Pesachim, 2, 3), whilst after the morning sacrifice during the eight days of the Feast of Dedication the Hallel was chanted without this accompaniment of the flute. The manner in which "these hymns of praise were offered must have been very imposing and impressive. The Levites who could be spared from assisting at the slaying of the sacrifices took their stand before the altar, and chanted the Hallel verse by verse; the people responsively repeated every verse, or burst forth in solemn and intoned Hallelujahs at every pause, whilst the slaves of the priests, the Levites, and the respectable lay people assisted in playing the flute (comp. Pesachim, 64, a; Erachim, 10, a, b; and Tosipha on Cap. 1; Sota, 27, b; Taanith, 28, a, b). No representatives of the people (אנשׁי מעמד ) were required to-be present at the Temple at the morning sacrifices on the days when the Hallel was chanted (Mishna, Taanith, 4, 4). (See [[Sacrifice]]). </p> <p> The Egyptian Hallel was also chanted in private families at the celebration of the Passover on the first evening of this feast. On this occasion the Hallel was divided into two parts; the part comprising Psalms 113, 114 was chanted during the partaking of the second cup, whilst the second part, comprising Psalms 115, 116, was chanted over the fourth and finishing cup (רניעי גומר עליו את ההלל, ''Mishna, Pesachim, 10,'' 7); and it is generally supposed that the singing of the hymn by our [[Savior]] and his disciples at the conclusion of the Passover supper (&nbsp;Matthew 26:30; &nbsp;Mark 14:26) refers to the last part of this Hallel. (Dean Alford ''[Greek Testament,'' ad loc. ] strangely confounds this Hallei with ''The Great Hallel.)'' In [[Babylon]] there was an ancient custom, which can be traced as far back as the 2nd century of the [[Christian]] sera, to recite this Hallel on every festival of the new moon (Taanith, 28, a), omitting, however, &nbsp;Psalms 115:1-11; &nbsp;Psalms 116:1-11. </p> <p> The great Hallel (הלל הגדול ) was recited on the first evening at the Passover supper by those who wished to have ''A Fifth Cup,'' i.e.one above the enjoined number (Maimonides, ''Jod Ha-Chezaka, Hilchoth Chawmez T. Maza, 8,'' 10). It was also recited on occasions of great joy, as an expression of thanksgiving to'God for special mercies (Mishna, Taanith, 3, 9). </p> <p> '''3.''' ''Present Use Of The Hymnal Service. — The'' Jews to the present day recite the Egyptian Hallel at the morning prayer immediately after ''The [[Eighteen]] [[Benedictions]] ‘(שׁמונה'' עשׁרה ) on all the festivals of the year except [[New Year]] and ''The Day Of Atonement,'' omitting &nbsp;Psalms 115:1-11; &nbsp;Psalms 116:1-11, on the last six days of the Feast of Passover, and on the new moon. Before the Hallel is recited they pronounce the following benediction: "Blessed art thou, Lord our God, King of the world, who hast sanctified us with thy commandments, and enjoined upon us to recite the Hallel!" At the Passover supper, on the first two evenings of the festival, both the Egyptian Hallel and the Great Hallel are now recited; the former is still divided in the same manner as it was in the days of our Savior. </p> <p> '''4.''' ''Institution Of This Hymnal Service. —'' It is now impossible to ascertain precisely when this service was first instituted. Some of the [[Talmudists]] affirm that it was instituted by Moses, others say that Joshua introduced it, others derive it from Deborah, David, Hezekiah, or Hanaaiah, [[Mishael]] and [[Azariah]] ''(Pesachim,'' 117, a). From &nbsp;2 Chronicles 35:15, we see that the practice of the Levites chanting the Hallel while the Paschal lambs were in the act of being slain was already in vogue in the days of Josiah, and it is not at all improbable that it was customary to do so at a much earlier period. </p> <p> '''5.''' ''Literature. — Mamonides, [[Jod]] Ha-Chezaka, Hilchoth Chamez U. Mlaza,'' sections 7 and 8, vol. i, p. 263-265; Buxtorf, ''Lexicon Chaldaicum Talmudicum Et Rabbinicum,'' s.v. הלל, col. 613-616; and Bartoloccii, ''Bibliotheca Moagna Rabbinica,'' 2, 227-243, have important treatises upon this subject, but their information is most uncritically put together, and no distinction is made between earlier and later practices. A thoroughly masterly and critical investigation is that of Krochmal, ''More Neboche Ha- Seman'' (Leopoli, 1851), p. 135 sq.; comp. also Edelmanm's edition of ''The'' ''Siddur'' with Landshuth's Critical Annotations (Kö nigsberg, 1845), p. 423 sq.; Herzfeld, Geschichte des Volkes [[Israel]] (Nordhausen, 1857), 2, 169 sq. </p>