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

The victim, 13-year-old Hallel Yaffe Ariel, was a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and a relative of Israel’s agriculture minister, Uri Ariel.

From Washington Post • Jul. 1, 2016

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

From Washington Post • Jun. 30, 2016

The first cupful of wine was silently shared; but when the second was passed around, the lesser Hallel, being the 113th and 114th psalms, were chanted in low subdued tones.

From Hebrew Heroes A Tale Founded on Jewish History by A. L. O. E.