Pesach Seder: Hallel

Question

Why is the Halllel at the Seder different than the rest of the year?

Answer

Shalom!

Thank you for your question!

There are 5 primary mitzvot that must be performed at the Seder. Two of them are Biblical, namely, eating matza and relating the story of the Exodus, and three are rabbinic, namely, the recitation of Hallel, the 4 cups of wine, and the eating of marror. The primary reason for the appearance of Hallel at the Seder is in order to recall that in ancient times, the people would recite Hallel while eating the Korban Pesach. (1)

In most congregations, Hallel is also recited in the synagogue as part of the Ma’ariv service on the night of Passover before the Seder. Although Hallel at Ma’ariv is an ancient custom, (2) it is actually unclear why it was instituted.

Some sources authorities suggest that the Hallel at Ma’ariv is intended to recall that Hallel was recited while offering the Korban Pesach in the Beit Hamikdash. Indeed, for this reason there was once a custom to recite Hallel on the afternoon of Erev Pesach at the time the Korban Pesach would have been offered!(3) It is also suggested that Hallel was instituted at Ma’ariv for the benefit of the unlearned who could not recite it themselves at the Seder. Such people would fulfill their obligation of reciting Hallel by reciting it along with the chazzan in the synagogue. From here the custom was extended for everyone to recite it together. (4)

A blessing is not said when reciting Hallel at the Seder as is done before reciting Hallel at all other times.(6) One reason for this, is because the Hallel is broken up and not recited at once, with some of Hallel being recited before eating the matza with the rest of it being recited after the festive meal. Interestingly, Pesach night is the only time that Hallel is ever recited at night and while seated. (6)

Source

[1] Pesachim 95a.

[2] Sofrim 2:9; Yerushalmi Berachot 1:5; OC 487:4.

[3] Meiri, Pesachim 117b. See Pesachim 64a, 95a, 117a.

[4] Tosefta, Pesachim 10:5; Gra, OC 487.

[5] Tur , OC 472.

[6] Shu”t Hari Migash 44.


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