Hallel

American  

[hah-leyl, hah-lel, hah-leyl] / hɑˈleɪl, hɑˈlɛl, ˈhɑ leɪl /

noun

Judaism.

1. a liturgical prayer consisting of all or part of Psalms 113–118, recited on Passover, Shavuoth, Sukkoth, Hanukkah, and Rosh Hodesh.

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Hallel British  

/ hɑːˈleɪl, hɑˈlel /

noun

1. Judaism a section of the liturgy consisting of Psalms 113–18, read during the morning service on festivals, Chanukah, and Rosh Chodesh

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Etymology

Origin of Hallel

First recorded in 1695–1705, from Hebrew hallēl “praise”

Example Sentences

It’s unclear who first shared the video, but Israeli journalist Hallel Bitton Rosen shared a longer, clearer version of the footage on his social media accounts on Nov. 15.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 24, 2023

“He’s going to dance, and then he will pretend that he is wet,” offered Hallel Cohen-Goldberg, a kindergartner with a mane of curls.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2017

State Department earlier Thursday condemned the killing and confirmed in the afternoon that Hallel was an American citizen.

From Washington Post • Jun. 30, 2016

“I want everyone to see our pain and to come console us. Hallel, may your memory be a blessing.”

From Washington Post • Jun. 30, 2016

From the 3rd century the use of the Hallel was extended to other occasions, and was gradually incorporated into the liturgy of eighteen festal days.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 7 "Gyantse" to "Hallel" by Various