Hallel on the Seder Night
The recitation of Hallel is one of the five mitzvot that are performed at the Seder. It is recited at the Seder in order to recall that in ancient times, Hallel was recited while eating the korban Pesach.[1] Although there is no korban Pesach today, there is still a requirement to recite Hallel as part of the Seder, and it is closely associated with the mitzva of matza.[2] Indeed, the afikoman represents, and is eaten in place of, the korban Pesach.[3]
In addition to the Hallel recited at the Seder, many congregations have the custom to recite Hallel at maariv on the Seder night(s), as well. Although the origins for reciting Hallel at maariv are ancient and authoritative,[4] the actual reason for doing so is unclear. Some authorities suggest that reciting Hallel at maariv serves to recall the Hallel that was recited while the korban Pesach was offered in the Beit Hamikdash. Indeed, at one point in history, Hallel was recited in the afternoon of Erev Pesach – at the time when the korban Pesach would have been offered -- and not at maariv as is done today.[5] It is also suggested that reciting Hallel as part of maariv began for the benefit of those who were unable to recite it themselves at the Seder. Such people would fulfill their obligation to recite Hallel by reciting it along with the chazzan, or even by just listening to his recitation. This eventually led to everyone reciting it, as well.[6] Those who recite Hallel at maariv also recite the preliminary blessing before doing so, just as is done whenever the entire Hallel is recited.
There is much discussion whether the preliminary blessing should be said before reciting Hallel at the Seder.[7]Although there are opinions both ways, universal custom is not to do so, and there are a number of reasons for this. It is explained that a blessing is only said when Hallel is recited at once, without interruption. At the Seder, however, the Hallel is broken up, with some of it being recited before the meal, and some of it being recited after the meal. That being said, there is an opinion that the blessing should actually be said twice at the Seder, once when the first part of Hallel is recited, and then again when the second part of Hallel is recited. Nevertheless, the halacha is not in accordance with this view.[8]
It is also suggested that the status of Hallel at the Seder is slightly different than usual. According to this approach, Hallel at the Seder is more of a “song” rather than the “praise” or “prayer” that it usually is.[9] It is also noted that the Hallel of the seder is quite distinct from all other Hallel recitations throughout the year. In addition to the fact that it is broken up, it is also the only time Hallel is recited at night and while seated.[10] There is also an opinion that the blessing recited before Hallel in the synagogue serves to "cover" the Hallel of the Seder, as well.[11]
It seems that reciting Hallel at maariv on the Seder night began in the Sefardic world, and was originally rejected in Ashkenazi communities.[12] This is because many Ashkenazi authorities felt that it was unnecessary and unjustified to institute an additional Hallel recitation on the Seder night besides the one mandated for the Seder.[13] Nevertheless, reciting Hallel at maariv in the synagogue has become fairly widespread in the Ashkenazi world, especially in Israel. It is also said to have been the custom of the Arizal, which surely fueled its popularity.[14] In fact, a number of authorities encourage one to try and persuade any congregation that does not recite Hallel at maariv on the Seder night to begin doing so.[15] It is also taught that reciting Hallel in the synagogue serves as a form of pirsumei nissa, publicizing the miracle of yetziat mitzrayim.[16]
Those who recite Hallel at maariv should be sure to do so only after nightfall. If it was recited earlier, it is acceptable, b’dieved.[17] One whose personal custom is not to recite Hallel at maariv, but finds himself in a congregation that does, should recite it along with them. In fact, one might even be required to recite the preliminary blessing, as well.[18] There is an opinion that a woman whose husband or father recites Hallel at maariv should also recite Hallel, with a blessing, before the Seder begins.[19]
[2] Ramban, Pesachim 117b.
[3] Pesachim 119a; Rambam, Hilchot Chametz Umatza 8:9.
[4]Sofrim 2:9; Yerushalmi, Berachot 1:5; OC 487:4.
[5]Meiri, Pesachim 117b. See Pesachim 64a, 95a, 117a.
[6]Tosefta, Pesachim 10:5; Gra, OC 487.
[9]Rashi, Ran, Pesachim 26b.
[10]Shu"t Hari Migash 44. There exists a custom to recite Hallel at the Seder while standing, but the practice is nearly non-existent today. See Minhag Yisrael Torah, Leil Haseder 20. Source shown to me by Rav Shlomo Leib Mund.
[13]Meishiv Davar 1:13.
[15]Minhag Yisrael Torah, OC 487:4.
[18]Kaf Hachaim, OC 487; Igrot Moshe, OC 2:94.
[19]Yechaveh Daat 5:34.