Responding to Greetings During Hallel
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Question
Hello, If a person has recited the blessing over Hallel and is reading it (alone), and his friend addresses him, can he respond?
Answer
Hello and a good month
The Shulchan Aruch states that one may respond to someone who greets him.
However, the Aruch HaShulchan writes that this applies only to those who follow the Shulchan Aruch, where no blessing is recited over half-Hallel. But according to the Ashkenazi custom, where a blessing is recited over Hallel on Rosh Chodesh, one should not interrupt to greet.
However, the poskim have already written that in our times, when it is not customary to greet and respond to greetings during prayer, it is forbidden.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 422, סעיף 4.
Aruch HaShulchan, same place, סעיף 10.