Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A chant of praise consisting of Psalms 113 through 118, used during Passover and on certain other holidays.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun In Jewish ritual, the hymn of praise, beginning in the original with the word halleluiah, ‘Praise ye the Lord,’ and consisting of Psalms cxiii. to cxviii. inclusive, chanted in the temple while the Passover lambs were being slain, and also at the Passover supper.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun (Judaism) a chant of praise (Psalms 113 through 118) used at Passover and Shabuoth and Sukkoth and Hanukkah and Rosh Hodesh

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[Hebrew hallēl, song of praise, from hillēl, to praise; see hll in Semitic roots.]

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Examples

  • Less than a year after being hired by Felder, press guy Eric Kuo called Lipa Schmeltzer's "Hallel" one of his favorites, and lamented not being able to find the albums in stores.

    Kelly 'Deeply Flattered' By Mayoral Speculation 2008

  • Less than a year after being hired by Felder, press guy Eric Kuo called Lipa Schmeltzer's "Hallel" one of his favorites, and lamented not being able to find the albums in stores.

    Kelly 'Deeply Flattered' By Mayoral Speculation 2008

  • In the temple at Jerusalem the "Hallel" was sung every day of the feast.

    Smith's Bible Dictionary 1884

  • The entire order of Hallel which is usually recited in the synagogue on Jewish holidays is also recited at the Seder table, albeit sitting down.

    Articles 2009

  • The entire order of Hallel which is usually recited in the synagogue on Jewish holidays is also recited at the Seder table, albeit sitting down.

    Articles 2009

  • The entire order of Hallel which is usually recited in the synagogue on Jewish holidays is also recited at the Seder table, albeit sitting down.

    Articles 2009

  • At the core of the Sukkot observance is the recitation of Hallel (psalms sung as expressions of exultant thanks), and the shaking of the lulav and etrog (a bundle of plants symbolizing life, abundance and thanks).

    Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson: Expanding Circles Of Thanks Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson 2011

  • Many Jewish communities celebrate Yom Ha'atzma'ut by reciting Hallel -- the psalms of joy traditionally said on Jewish holidays.

    Rabbi Jill Jacobs: On Motherhood And Citizenship: Reflections For Yom Ha'atzma'ut Rabbi Jill Jacobs 2011

  • Many Jewish communities celebrate Yom Ha'atzma'ut by reciting Hallel -- the psalms of joy traditionally said on Jewish holidays.

    Rabbi Jill Jacobs: On Motherhood And Citizenship: Reflections For Yom Ha'atzma'ut Rabbi Jill Jacobs 2011

  • At the core of the Sukkot observance is the recitation of Hallel (psalms sung as expressions of exultant thanks), and the shaking of the lulav and etrog (a bundle of plants symbolizing life, abundance and thanks).

    Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson: Expanding Circles Of Thanks Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson 2011

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