HALLEL hăl’ əl (הָלַל֮, H2146, praise; cf. הַֽלְלוּ־יָֽהּ, praise Yah! i.e. praise God). Rabbinic term for several groups of psalms of praise. “Great Hallel” usually denotes Psalm 136, though it can refer to Psalms 120-136. “Hallel” can be applied also to Psalms 146-148. But the most significant Hallel is the Egyp. Hallel, Psalms 113-118. This Hallel was recited in Jewish homes during the course of the Passover observance and in public Temple and synagogue services for the feasts of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, Tabernacles, and the extra-Biblical feast of Dedication. As an expression of joy, it was most appropriate for the great joyful feasts listed above. Modern Judaism has several musical settings for this Hallel. The Hallel doubtless played its customary role in the Lord’s last Passover observance with His disciples, and the hymn with which the meal ended was prob. either the last part of the Egyp. Hallel (Pss 115-118) or the Great Hallel (Ps 136).

Bibliography A. Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (1886), i 230, ii 159, 533; F. L. Cohen, L. N. Dembitz, “Hallel,” Jew Enc (1901).