How to Recite the Hallel for Passover

The Hallel consists of Psalms 113 through 118 and is a central prayer in Judaism. It is recited by observant Jews as praise and thanksgiving on Jewish holidays, including Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot and on other occasions such as Hanukkah and Rosh Chodesh. The following steps will show how to recite the hallel for Passover.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Use the special Passover Hallel. All 6 Psalms of the Hallel are recited in their entirety, but in 2 parts.

2. Conduct the Passover Seder. This is a ritual feast conducted on the first night of Passover. The Hallel recited during the Seder is unique in that it is recited during the day on all other occasions.

3. Raise and hold the second cup at Magid, the fifth part of the Seder. The first part of the Hallel is introduced with 10 expressions of praise. These expressions represent the 10 plagues of Egypt.

4. Recite Psalms 113 and 114 just before the drinking of the second cup of wine while sitting down. This is the only time the Hallel is recited in 2 parts. Women are obligated to recite the Hallel at this time unlike other occasions. The leader of the Seder recites the first part of each Psalm and the other attendants recite the last part of each Psalm in response.

5. Recite Psalms 115 through 118 during the 13th part of the Seder, also while sitting down. This part of the Seder is actually called the Hallel and is done just before drinking the fourth cup of wine.

Resources

• Find out more reciting the Hallel for Passover.