Mishneh Torah — Megillah & Hanukkah הלכות מגילה וחנוכה, Chapter 3

בְבַיִת שֵׁנִי כְּשֶׁמַּלְכֵי יָוָן גָּזְרוּ גְּזֵרוֹת עַל יִשְׂרָאֵל וּבִטְּלוּ דָּתָם וְלֹא הֵנִיחוּ אוֹתָם לַעֲסֹק בְּתוֹרָה וּבְמִצְוֹת. וּפָשְׁטוּ יָדָם בְּמָמוֹנָם וּבִבְנוֹתֵיהֶם וְנִכְנְסוּ לַהֵיכָל וּפָרְצוּ בּוֹ פְּרָצוֹת וְטִמְּאוּ הַטָּהֳרוֹת. וְצָר לָהֶם לְיִשְׂרָאֵל מְאֹד מִפְּנֵיהֶם וּלְחָצוּם לַחַץ גָּדוֹל עַד שֶׁרִחֵם עֲלֵיהֶם אֱלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ וְהוֹשִׁיעָם מִיָּדָם וְהִצִּילָם וְגָבְרוּ בְּנֵי חַשְׁמוֹנַאי הַכֹּהֲנִים הַגְּדוֹלִים וַהֲרָגוּם וְהוֹשִׁיעוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל מִיָּדָם וְהֶעֱמִידוּ מֶלֶךְ מִן הַכֹּהֲנִים וְחָזְרָה מַלְכוּת לְיִשְׂרָאֵל יֶתֶר עַל מָאתַיִם שָׁנָה עַד הַחֻרְבָּן הַשֵּׁנִי:

In [the era of] the Second Temple, the Greek kingdom issued decrees against the Jewish people, [attempting to] nullify their faith 2:4 relates that the Greeks would have the Jews "write on the horn of an ox that they have no portion in the God of Israel." and refusing to allow them to observe the Torah and its commandments., which relates that the Greeks prevented the Jews from observing the Sabbath and performing circumcision. They extended their hands against their property and deprived the Jewish population of its livelihood. and their daughters; 23a, states that before a Jewish virgin was married, she was required to have relations with a Greek officer. they entered the Sanctuary, wrought havoc within, 1:6, 2:3 and Shekalim 6:3, which speak of the Greeks breaking open portions of the Soreg, a divider on the Temple Mount, and destroying portions of the wall around the Temple Courtyard. and made the sacraments impure.The Jews suffered great difficulties from them, for they oppressed them greatly until the God of our ancestors had mercy upon them, delivered them from their hand, and saved them. The sons of the Hasmoneans, the High Priests, overcame [them], slew them, and saved the Jews from their hand.They appointed a king from the priests, and sovereignty returned to Israel for more than 200 years, until the destruction of the Second Temple..) Although in Hilchot Melachim 1:7-8, the Rambam writes that King David's descendants have an eternal right to the monarchy in Jerusalem, his description here of the Hasmoneans as kings does not have the slightest intimation of criticism; if anything, the contrary is true.Several laws regarding the nature of kingship are derived from the Hasmonean kings and others, even from the kings of Herod's dynasty, who ruled after them.

וּכְשֶׁגָּבְרוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל עַל אוֹיְבֵיהֶם וְאִבְּדוּם בְּכ"ה בְּחֹדֶשׁ כִּסְלֵו הָיָה וְנִכְנְסוּ לַהֵיכָל וְלֹא מָצְאוּ שֶׁמֶן טָהוֹר בַּמִּקְדָּשׁ אֶלָּא פַּךְ אֶחָד וְלֹא הָיָה בּוֹ לְהַדְלִיק אֶלָּא יוֹם אֶחָד בִּלְבַד וְהִדְלִיקוּ מִמֶּנּוּ נֵרוֹת הַמַּעֲרָכָה שְׁמוֹנָה יָמִים עַד שֶׁכָּתְשׁוּ זֵיתִים וְהוֹצִיאוּ שֶׁמֶן טָהוֹר:

When the Jews overcame their enemies and destroyed them, they entered the Sanctuary; this was on the twenty-fifth of Kislev. They could not find any pure oil in the Sanctuary, with the exception of a single cruse. It contained enough oil to burn for merely one day. They lit the arrangement of candles from it for eight days 4:7-17). Thus, if the cruse of pure oil had burned out, the Jews could have used impure oil. Why did God perform a miracle when there was no absolute necessity?Among the explanations for this is that God saw the dedication of the Jewish people as evidenced by their search for pure oil, and, in a greater sense, by their entire struggle against the Greeks. This commitment which extended beyond the limits of their intellect evoked a miracle from God that transcended the limits of nature. until they could crush olives and produce pure oil. (see Hilchot Issurei HaMizbe'ach 6:1, 7-8-10), when there is no other alternative, inferior oil prepared for the Menorah is also acceptable. Seemingly, it would have been possible to produce oil from olives in the Jerusalem vicinity in less than eight days.

וּמִפְּנֵי זֶה הִתְקִינוּ חֲכָמִים שֶׁבְּאוֹתוֹ הַדּוֹר שֶׁיִּהְיוּ שְׁמוֹנַת הַיָּמִים הָאֵלּוּ שֶׁתְּחִלָּתָן כ"ה בְּכִסְלֵו יְמֵי שִׂמְחָה וְהַלֵּל וּמַדְלִיקִין בָּהֶן הַנֵּרוֹת בָּעֶרֶב עַל פִּתְחֵי הַבָּתִּים בְּכָל לַיְלָה וְלַיְלָה מִשְּׁמוֹנַת הַלֵּילוֹת לְהַרְאוֹת וּלְגַלּוֹת הַנֵּס. וְיָמִים אֵלּוּ הֵן הַנִּקְרָאִין חֲנֻכָּה וְהֵן אֲסוּרִין בְּהֶסְפֵּד וְתַעֲנִית כִּימֵי הַפּוּרִים. וְהַדְלָקַת הַנֵּרוֹת בָּהֶן מִצְוָה מִדִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים כִּקְרִיאַת הַמְּגִלָּה:

Accordingly, the Sages of that generation 21b states that the celebration of the holiday was ordained in the year following the miracle. ordained that these eight days, which begin from the twenty-fifth of Kislev, should be commemorated began on the twenty-fifth of Kislev and continued for eight days.[Note, however, the Pri Chadash (Orach Chayim 670:1), who explains that, according to the Rambam, the first day of the celebration was instituted in appreciation of the military victories, while the remaining seven came in recognition of the miracle of the Menorah.] to be days of happiness, Chapter 2, "happiness" is associated with feasting. In this context, the Yam shel Shlomo, Bava Kama 7:37, explains that according to the Rambam - in contrast to the rulings of the Tur and the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 670:2) - the festive meals customarily served on Chanukah can be considered to be feasts associated with a mitzvah. and praise [of God].. These two aspects of the celebration of the holiday reflect the different nature of the miracles mentioned in each of the first two halachot (Likkutei Sichot, Vol. 10). Candles should be lit in the evening at the entrance to the houses on each and every one of these eight nights to publicize and reveal the miracle., publicizing the Chanukah miracle.These days are called Chanukah. associates Chanukah with chanukat hamizbe'ach, the rededication of the altar in the Temple, but there is no mention of this event by the Rambam here. It is forbidden to eulogize and fast on them, as on the days of Purim. 670:1). Lighting the candles on these days is a Rabbinic mitzvah, like the reading of the Megillah.

כָּל שֶׁחַיָּב בִּקְרִיאַת הַמְּגִלָּה חַיָּב בְּהַדְלָקַת נֵר חֲנֻכָּה וְהַמַּדְלִיק אוֹתָהּ בַּלַּיְלָה הָרִאשׁוֹן מְבָרֵךְ שָׁלֹשׁ בְּרָכוֹת וְאֵלּוּ הֵן. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה וְשֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ וְכוּ'. וְשֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְכוּ'. וְכָל הָרוֹאֶה אוֹתָהּ וְלֹא בֵּרֵךְ מְבָרֵךְ שְׁתַּיִם. שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ וְשֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ. וּבִשְׁאָר הַלֵּילוֹת הַמַּדְלִיק מְבָרֵךְ שְׁתַּיִם וְהָרוֹאֶה מְבָרֵךְ אַחַת שֶׁאֵין מְבָרְכִין שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ אֶלָּא בַּלַּיְלָה הָרִאשׁוֹן:

Whoever is obligated to read the Megillah is also obligated to kindle the Chanukah lamp. On the first night, a person lighting [the lamp] recites three blessings. They are:Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to light the Chanukah lamp."...who wrought miracles for our ancestors....""...who has granted us life, sustained us...." 11:9).When a person who did not recite a blessing [on his own Chanukah lamp] sees a lamp, (Orach Chayim 676:3) interprets this as referring to a person who has not lit the Chanukah candles yet, is not intending to light them, and will not have them lit by others in his home. (See Chapter 4, Halachah 11.) Since he will not be fulfilling the mitzvah by himself, he should commemorate the miracle by reciting these blessings on candles lit by others.Significantly, Rav Kapach's version of the Mishneh Torah does not contain the phrase, "who did not recite a blessing." Based on a responsum of the Rambam, he develops a unique interpretation, explaining that one may recite these blessings several times each night if he did not have the intent to light or see additional Chanukah lamps. he should recite the latter two blessings. On subsequent nights, a person who kindles the lamp should recite two blessings and one who sees a lamp should recite one, for the blessing Shehecheyanu is recited only on the first night.

בְּכָל יוֹם וָיוֹם מִשְּׁמוֹנַת הַיָּמִים אֵלּוּ גּוֹמְרִין אֶת הַהַלֵּל וּמְבָרֵךְ לְפָנָיו אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לִגְמֹר אֶת הַהַלֵּל בֵּין יָחִיד בֵּין צִבּוּר. אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁקְּרִיאַת הַהַלֵּל מִצְוָה מִדִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים מְבָרֵךְ עָלָיו אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁמְּבָרֵךְ עַל הַמְּגִלָּה וְעַל הָעֵרוּב. שֶׁכָּל וַדַּאי שֶׁל דִּבְרֵיהֶם מְבָרְכִין עָלָיו. אֲבָל דָּבָר שֶׁהוּא מִדִּבְרֵיהֶם וְעִקַּר עֲשִׂיָּתָן לוֹ מִפְּנֵי הַסָּפֵק כְּגוֹן מַעֲשֵׂר דְּמַאי אֵין מְבָרְכִין עָלָיו. וְלָמָּה מְבָרְכִין עַל יוֹם טוֹב שֵׁנִי וְהֵם לֹא תִּקְּנוּהוּ אֶלָּא מִפְּנֵי הַסָּפֵק כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יְזַלְזְלוּ בּוֹ:

On each and every one of these eight days, the entire Hallel is a selection of celebrant psalms (Psalm 113-118). The Rambam mentions the entire Hallel as a contrast to the partial Hallel recited on Rosh Chodesh and the latter days of Pesach, which is described in Halachah 7. is recited. in these halachot instead of in the laws of prayer. This emphasizes that Hallel is an expression of praise for the miracles associated with the holiday, and, as apparent from the following halachah, an expression of holiday joy rather than a requirement of prayer. Before [its recitation], one should recite the blessing "...who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to complete the Hallel." This applies whether the recitation is individual or communal., there are differences between an individual recitation and a communal recitation, as explained in Halachah 7. No such differences apply with regard to the full Hallel, and there is an obligation incumbent on each individual to recite these psalms with a blessing.Even though the reading of the Hallel is a mitzvah ordained by the Sages, one may recite the blessing [stating] "who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us," as one recites a blessing for the reading of the Megillah and for the erection of an eruv. refers to three different practices: the convention established to allow one to carry in a closed courtyard on the Sabbath, the convention established to allow one to cook for the Sabbath on a festival that falls on Friday, and the convention allowing one to extend the limits one is allowed to walk on the Sabbath. (See Hilchot Eruvin.)One might ask why the Rambam mentions the reading of the Megillah and the eruv, but not the kindling of the Chanukah lights mentioned in the previous halachah. Similarly, one may ask why this issue was not discussed with regard to the recitation of the blessing over the Chanukah lights. A blessing should be recited for every definite obligation established by our Sages.In contrast, if an obligation was established by the Sages because of a doubt - e.g., tithing d'mai, refers to produce belonging to unlearned individuals whom the Sages suspected of refraining from separating the tithes required by our Sages. They required that the tithes be separated by anyone who acquired such produce. (See Hilchot Ma'aser, Chapter 9.) - a blessing is not recited. 23a. The Ra'avad offers a different interpretation of the passage, which would require the recitation of a blessing for a Rabbinic mitzvah even if it was ordained only because of a doubt. Nevertheless, the Rambam's view is accepted by most authorities. [This principle invites a question:] Why is a blessing recited over the second day of a festival; its observance was ordained only because of doubt?, Chapter 5. Originally, when the calendar was determined according to the testimony of witnesses who saw the new moon, the inhabitants of the far-removed areas were in doubt regarding when the festivals should be observed. Hence, they began to observe two days. This practice was perpetuated even in the present age, despite the fact that we follow a fixed calendar. [This was ordained] lest it be treated with disdain.

וְלֹא הַלֵּל שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה בִּלְבַד הוּא שֶׁמִּדִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים אֶלָּא קְרִיאַת הַהַלֵּל לְעוֹלָם מִדִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים בְּכָל הַיָּמִים שֶׁגּוֹמְרִין בָּהֶן אֶת הַהַלֵּל. וּשְׁמוֹנָה עָשָׂר יוֹם בַּשָּׁנָה מִצְוָה לִגְמֹר בָּהֶן אֶת הַהַלֵּל. וְאִלּוּ הֵן. שְׁמוֹנַת יְמֵי הֶחָג. וּשְׁמוֹנַת יְמֵי חֲנֻכָּה. וְרִאשׁוֹן שֶׁל פֶּסַח וְיוֹם עֲצֶרֶת. אֲבָל רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה וְיוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים אֵין בָּהֶן הַלֵּל לְפִי שֶׁהֵן יְמֵי תְּשׁוּבָה וְיִרְאָה וָפַחַד לֹא יְמֵי שִׂמְחָה יְתֵרָה. וְלֹא תִּקְּנוּ הַלֵּל בְּפוּרִים שֶׁקְּרִיאַת הַמְּגִלָּה הִיא הַהַלֵּל:

It is not the recitation of Hallel on Chanukah alone that is a Rabbinic ordinance, on those days is Rabbinic in origin, while the recitation of Hallel on the festivals has its source in the Torah itself. This is not the case. but rather, at all times 95b, Arachin 10b) consider Isaiah 30:29, "This song shall be to you as the night of the sanctification of the festivals" to be a reference to the recitation of Hallel. Because of this association with a Biblical verse, he considers the obligation to recite Hallel as different in status from other Rabbinic commandments. Indeed, the Halachot Gedolot considers this obligation to be one of the 613 mitzvot. This runs contrary to the position the Rambam mentions in Sefer HaMitzvot (General Principle 1), where he states that even those mitzvot ordained by the prophets are considered to be Rabbinic commandments.The Maggid Mishneh explains that the verse in Isaiah reflects a command to recite Hallel in appreciation whenever God redeems us from difficulties. (For this reason, it is customary in certain communities to recite Hallel on the anniversary of a miraculous deliverance.) The custom of reciting Hallel on festivals, however, was established afterwards. - i.e., on all the days that the complete Hallel is recited, [the obligation to do so] is a Rabbinic ordinance.There are eighteen days during the year when it is a mitzvah to recite the entire Hallel.. There are three more days in the diaspora, as mentioned in the following halachah. They are: the eight days of Sukkot, the eight days of Chanukah, the first day of Pesach, sacrifice is offered each day, on Pesach the same musaf sacrifice is offered every day throughout the holiday. Therefore, the entire Hallel is recited on the first day alone (Arachin 10b).(Note also Megillah 10b, which states in connection to the splitting of the Red Sea, the major miracle associate with the later days of Pesach, "My creations are drowning in the sea and you desire to say Hallel!") and the holiday of Shavuot. Hallel is not recited on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, since they are days of repentance, awe, and fear, and are not days of extra celebration. 10b relates:The ministering angels enquired before the Holy One, blessed be He: "Master of the world: Why do the Jews not recite songs [of praise] before You on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur?"He told them: "Is it proper that the King should sit on the throne of judgment with the book of life and the book of death open before Him and the Jews should recite songs [of praise]?"See also the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Rosh HaShanah 4:7). The [Sages] did not ordain the recitation of Hallel on Purim, because the reading of the Megillah [serves the purpose of Hallel]. states that a person who cannot hear the reading of the Megillah should recite Hallel on Purim.

מְקוֹמוֹת שֶׁעוֹשִׂין יוֹם טוֹב שְׁנֵי יָמִים גּוֹמְרִין אֶת הַהַלֵּל עֶשְׂרִים וְאֶחָד יוֹם. תִּשְׁעָה יְמֵי הֶחָג. וּשְׁמוֹנָה יְמֵי חֲנֻכָּה. וּשְׁנֵי יָמִים שֶׁל פֶּסַח. וּשְׁנֵי יָמִים שֶׁל עֲצֶרֶת. אֲבָל בְּרָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים קְרִיאַת הַהַלֵּל מִנְהָג וְאֵינוֹ מִצְוָה. וּמִנְהָג זֶה בְּצִבּוּר לְפִיכָךְ קוֹרְאִין בְּדִלּוּג. וְאֵין מְבָרְכִין עָלָיו שֶׁאֵין מְבָרְכִין עַל הַמִּנְהָג. וְיָחִיד לֹא יִקְרָא כְּלָל. וְאִם הִתְחִיל יַשְׁלִים וְיִקְרָא בְּדִלּוּג כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁקּוֹרְאִין הַצִּבּוּר. וְכֵן בִּשְׁאָר יְמֵי הַפֶּסַח קוֹרְאִין בְּדִלּוּג כְּרָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים:

In places where the festivals are celebrated for two days, Hallel is recited on 21 days: On the nine days of Sukkot, the eight days of Chanukah, the [first] two days of Pesach, and the two days of Shavuot. is recited on both days.[In contrast,] the recitation of Hallel on Rosh Chodesh is a custom and not a mitzvah. 10b relates that although Rosh Chodesh is called mo'ed (a festival), since there is no prohibition against performing work, there is no obligation to recite Hallel.The recitation of Hallel on Rosh Chodesh is also dealt with in Ta'anit 28b. That passage relates:Rav arrived in Babylon. He saw that they recited Hallel on Rosh Chodesh and thought of stopping them. When, however, he saw that they skipped portions, he [allowed them to continue,] saying, "They are perpetuating a custom practiced by their ancestors."Rav studied in Eretz Yisrael at the time of the composition of the Mishnah and returned to Babylon shortly thereafter. We can thus conclude from this passage that at that time, it was not customary in Eretz Yisrael to read Hallel on Rosh Chodesh, and that it was not until the center of Rabbinic authority shifted to Babylon that this custom became uniformly accepted throughout the Jewish people. It is observed [only] communally. [To emphasize that it is a custom,] passages are skipped when it is read. A blessing should not be recited over [this reading], since a blessing is not recited over a custom. 11:16, based on Sukkah 44b, which states that a blessing is not recited over the striking of the willows on Hoshana Rabbah, because it is a custom.Some authorities object, however, explaining that the custom of striking the willows differs from the recitation of the Hallel. In the latter instance, since the Hallel is a lengthy prayer - in contrast to the performance of a simple action - it is proper to recite a blessing (Tosafot, Ta'anit 28b). Others differentiate between the communal recitation (see the following note) of the Hallel, where a blessing is required, and the recitation of these psalms by an individual, when it is not (Rabbenu Yonah, Maggid Mishneh).The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 422:2) quotes Rabbenu Yonah's view and that of the Rambam, stating that it is customary in Eretz Yisrael to follow the Rambam's ruling. In his gloss, the Ramah quotes Tosafot's view, stating that this is the Ashkenazic custom.A person [praying] alone should not recite [the Hallel] at all [on Rosh Chodesh]. 28b states:There are eighteen days each year when an individual recites Hallel.... [With regard to Rosh Chodesh,] an individual does not begin. If he begins, he should complete it.The halachic authorities differ in their interpretation of this passage: The Rambam interprets "does not" as "should not" - i.e., these prayers should be recited only communally and not by an individual. The Ashkenazim (Rashi and Tosafot) interpret "does not" as "need not" - i.e., the custom is an obligation on the community, which may be accepted by an individual if he desires.In this instance, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) does not accept the Rambam's ruling, and states that a person praying alone should recite the Hallel. If, however, he began its recitation, he should complete it, skipping the passages the community would skip as he reads it.Similarly, on the other days of Pesach, [the Hallel] is read while skipping passages. throughout the Pesach holiday. Nevertheless, he agrees that passages should be skipped in its recitation.

כֵּיצַד מְדַלְּגִין. מַתְחִילִין מִתְּחִלַּת הַהַלֵּל עַד (תהילים קיד ח) "חַלָּמִישׁ לְמַעְיְנוֹ מָיִם" וּמְדַלֵּג וְאוֹמֵר (תהילים קטו יב) "ה' זְכָרָנוּ יְבָרֵךְ" כוּ' עַד (תהילים קטו יח) "הַלְלוּיָהּ" וּמְדַלֵּג וְאוֹמֵר (תהילים קטז יב) "מָה אָשִׁיב לַה'" עַד (תהילים קטז יט) "הַלְלוּיָהּ" וּמְדַלֵּג וְאוֹמֵר (תהילים קיח ה) "מִן הַמֵּצַר קָרָאתִי יָהּ" עַד סוֹף הַהַלֵּל. זֶה הוּא הַמִּנְהָג הַפָּשׁוּט. וְיֵשׁ מְדַלְּגִין דִּלּוּג אַחֵר:

And how should one skip? on Rosh Chodesh and the latter days of Pesach? One recites from the beginning of the Hallel until the phrase chalamish lema'y'no mayim. One then skips and [begins] reciting A-donai z'charanu y'varech, [continuing] until Halleluyah. One then skips and [begins] reciting Mah ashiv lA-donai, [continuing] until Halleluyah. Afterwards, one skips and [begins] reciting Min hametzar karati Yah, [continuing] until the conclusion of the Hallel.This is the common custom. mentions that this is the custom which was followed in his community. Rav Kapach notes that there are some communities in Yemen that still follow this custom. Others skip [passages] according to a different pattern. 28b. This resembles the pattern mentioned by the Rambam with one difference. Only the first two portions that the Rambam suggests skipping are skipped. From that point onward, the Hallel is recited until its conclusion. (See also Eliyahu Rabba 422.)

כָּל הַיּוֹם כָּשֵׁר לִקְרִיאַת הַהַלֵּל. וְהַקּוֹרֵא אֶת הַהַלֵּל לְמַפְרֵעַ לֹא יָצָא. קָרָא וְשָׁהָה וְחָזַר וְקָרָא אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁשָּׁהָה כְּדֵי לִגְמֹר אֶת כֻּלּוֹ יָצָא. יָמִים שֶׁגּוֹמְרִין בָּהֶן אֶת הַהַלֵּל יֵשׁ לוֹ לְהַפְסִיק בֵּין פֶּרֶק לְפֶרֶק אֲבָל בְּאֶמְצַע הַפֶּרֶק לֹא יַפְסִיק. וְיָמִים שֶׁקּוֹרְאִין בָּהֶן בְּדִלּוּג אֲפִלּוּ בְּאֶמְצַע הַפֶּרֶק פּוֹסֵק:

It is appropriate to recite Hallel throughout the entire day. is recited directly after the morning service, it is not an integral part of the prayer service and may be recited at other times. See Megillah 20b, which derives an allusion to this concept from the exegesis of Psalms 118:24: "This is the day which God wrought; let us rejoice and exult in it." Our "rejoicing and exultation," the recitation of Hallel, may be carried out throughout the entire day. A person who reads Hallel in improper sequence does not fulfill his obligation. 17a,b equates the reading of Hallel with the reading of the Megillah in this respect. (See Chapter 2, Halachah 1.)Note the Mishnah Berurah 422:26, which explains that there are authorities who rule that proper sequence is required only within a particular psalm. The order of the psalms themselves, however, may be altered. This view, however, is not accepted by most authorities, and the prevailing practice is to follow their ruling.See also Hilchot Kri'at Shema 2:11, where the Rambam states that it is not absolutely necessary to read the different passages of the Shema in order. On the other hand, there the Rambam explains his decision, stating that the passages of the Shema are not found in this order in the Torah. In contrast, the psalms of Hallel are recited in the order they are found in the Bible. If a person reads and pauses, reads and pauses, even if he pauses for a time long enough to complete the entire [Hallel], he fulfills his obligation. 34b, we can conclude that the laws that apply to the reading of the Megillah also apply to the reading of Hallel. (See Chapter 2, Halachah 2.)As mentioned in the commentary on that halachah, the Ramah (Orach Chayim 65:1) rules that should a person be forced to refrain from completing the Shema because the place in which he is located contains filth, he does not fulfill his obligation if he waited the amount of time required to recite the Shema in its entirety. The commentaries question if this law applies with regard to the recitation of Hallel as well. (See Mishnah Berurah 422:25.)On the days when the entire Hallel is recited, has the strength of a Rabbinic commandment. Hence, the laws governing it are more severe. one may make an interruption between chapters. analogous to the recitation of the Shema (see Hilchot Kri'at Shema 2:15-16) and appears to allow all interruptions (Maggid Mishneh). The Lechem Mishneh, however, is more restrictive and allows interruptions only when there is a need.In their analysis of Berachot 14a (the source for this halachah), Rabbenu Asher and other commentaries differ and compare the recitation of Hallel to the recitation of the Shema. Thus, one may greet an honored person between the chapters and may respond to a greeting from anyone at that time. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 488:1) follows this ruling. Within a [single] chapter, however, one may not make an interruption. (loc. cit.), following the principles mentioned above, states that a person may interrupt his recitation to greet his father or his teacher, or to respond to greetings from an honored person. On the days when Hallel is read while skipping portions, explains that the Rambam's ruling depends on his previous decision that a blessing should not be recited on these days. Making an interruption is significant when a blessing is recited. When a blessing is not recited, what does it matter whether one makes an interruption or not?Although this explanation may be acceptable according to the Rambam's view, according to the Shulchan Aruch's ruling mentioned below, a different rationale must be applied. (See Be'ur Halachah 422.) one may make an interruption even within a chapter. (Orach Chayim 422:4) differs and states that while the rules for making interruptions are more lenient on these days, one may not make an interruption for a matter that has no importance whatsoever. One may, however, greet a person one must honor and respond to greetings given by anyone.

כָּל יוֹם שֶׁגּוֹמְרִין בּוֹ אֶת הַהַלֵּל מְבָרֵךְ לְפָנָיו. וּמָקוֹם שֶׁנָּהֲגוּ לְבָרֵךְ אַחֲרָיו מְבָרֵךְ. כֵּיצַד מְבָרֵךְ. יְהַלְלוּךָ ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ כָּל מַעֲשֶׂיךָ וְצַדִּיקִים וַחֲסִידִים עוֹשֵׂי רְצוֹנֶךָ וְכָל עַמְּךָ בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּרִנָּה יוֹדוּ לְשִׁמְךָ כִּי אַתָּה ה' לְךָ טוֹב לְהוֹדוֹת וְנָעִים לְשִׁמְךָ לְזַמֵּר וּמֵעוֹלָם וְעַד עוֹלָם אַתָּה הָאֵל בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' הַמֶּלֶךְ הַמְהֻלָּל הַמְשֻׁבָּח הַמְפֹאָר חַי וְקַיָּם תָּמִיד יִמְלוֹךְ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד:

On all the days when the complete Hallel is recited, is recited, the blessing should conclude ligmor et haHallel, "to conclude the Hallel." It is, however, Ashkenazic custom to conclude the blessing likro et haHallel at all times, even when the entire Hallel is recited (Ramah, Orach Chayim 488:1). a blessing should be recited before Hallel. is recited with skipped passages. On those days, no blessing is recited according to the Rambam, as stated in Halachah 7. In places where it is customary to recite a blessing afterwards, a blessing should be recited [on these days]. 3:11. In the present day, however, it is a universally accepted custom to recite this blessing.What blessing is recited?God our Lord, all Your works will praise You, and the righteous and Your pious ones, who carry out Your will, and Your nation, the House of Israel, will joyously praise Your name. For it is good to praise You, O God, and it is is pleasant to sing to Your name. From the [spiritual] worlds to the [physical] world, You are the Almighty. Blessed are You, God, the King who is extolled and praised, who is glorified, living and enduring. May He reign at all times and for eternity. and the popularly printed text.

יֵשׁ מְקוֹמוֹת שֶׁנָּהֲגוּ לִכְפּל מֵ (תהילים קיח כא) "אוֹדְךָ כִּי עֲנִיתָנִי" עַד סוֹף הַהַלֵּל כּוֹפְלִין כָּל דָּבָר וְדָבָר שְׁתֵּי פְּעָמִים. וּמָקוֹם שֶׁנָּהֲגוּ לִכְפּל יִכְפּל וּמָקוֹם שֶׁנָּהֲגוּ שֶׁלֹּא לִכְפּל אֵין כּוֹפְלִין:

There are places which follow the custom of repeating and the congregation recite these verses twice. Rav Kapach interprets this as meaning that the verses are repeated by the congregation after the reader. each verse from od'cha ki anitani (Psalms 118:21 until the conclusion of the Hallel. 38a) explains the rationale for the custom of repeating these verses as follows: The previous verses are repetitive in nature - e.g., "It is better to rely on God than to trust in men; It is better to rely on God than to trust in nobles"; or "The right hand of God performs deeds of valor, the right hand of God is exalted." In contrast, each of the verses from od'cha onward is an independent concept that is not repeated. Each verse is read a second time. In places where this repetition is customary, the verses should be repeated. In places where it it is customary not to repeat, they should not be repeated., it appears that there were still variant customs in different communities. (See Orach Chayim 422:3.) Our present custom is to repeat these verses.

מִנְהַג קְרִיאַת הַהַלֵּל בִּימֵי חֲכָמִים הָרִאשׁוֹנִים כָּךְ הָיָה. אַחַר שֶׁמְּבָרֵךְ הַגָּדוֹל שֶׁמַּקְרֵא אֶת הַהַלֵּל מַתְחִיל וְאוֹמֵר הַלְלוּיָהּ וְכָל הָעָם עוֹנִין הַלְלוּיָהּ וְחוֹזֵר וְאוֹמֵר הַלְלוּ עַבְדֵי ה' וְכָל הָעָם עוֹנִין הַלְלוּיָהּ וְחוֹזֵר וְאוֹמֵר הַלְלוּ אֶת שֵׁם ה' וְכָל הָעָם עוֹנִין הַלְלוּיָהּ וְחוֹזֵר וְאוֹמֵר יְהִי שֵׁם ה' מְבֹרָךְ מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם וְכָל הָעָם עוֹנִין הַלְלוּיָהּ וְכֵן עַל כָּל דָּבָר. עַד שֶׁנִּמְצְאוּ עוֹנִין בְּכָל הַהַלֵּל הַלְלוּיָהּ מֵאָה וְשָׁלֹשׁ וְעֶשְׂרִים פְּעָמִים סִימָן לָהֶם שְׁנוֹתָיו שֶׁל אַהֲרֹן:

This is the custom according to which Hallel was recited in the days of the early Sages: 38b, 39a. After reciting the blessing, an adult begins reciting the Hallel and says, Halleluyah. All the people respond Halleluyah.He then reads, Hallelu avdei A-donai, and all the people respond, Halleluyah. after each bar, Rashi (Sukkah 38b) cites Sotah 30b's description of the manner in which the Jews responded to Moses' recitation of the song of celebration after crossing the Red Sea. He then reads, Hallelu et shem A-donai contains at least two bars. The reader reads each bar out loud, and the people respond after him Halleluyah. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 422:3) mentions that there are communities that follow these practices. In the present age, these customs are no longer followed in all Ashkenazic and most Sephardic communities. and all the people respond, Halleluyah. He then reads, Yehi shem A-donai mevorach me'atah v'ad olam, and all the people respond, Halleluyah.Similarly, after every bar [of the Hallel, the people respond Halleluyah]. Thus, they respond Halleluyah 123 times throughout the entire Hallel; a sign to remember this: the years of Aaron's life. 16:1 and Soferim, Chapter 16.

וְכֵן כְּשֶׁהַקּוֹרֵא מַגִּיעַ לְרֹאשׁ כָּל פֶּרֶק וּפֶרֶק הֵן חוֹזְרִין וְאוֹמְרִין מַה שֶּׁאָמַר. כֵּיצַד. כְּשֶׁהוּא אוֹמֵר בְּצֵאת יִשְׂרָאֵל מִמִּצְרַיִם כָּל הָעָם חוֹזְרִין וְאוֹמְרִין בְּצֵאת יִשְׂרָאֵל מִמִּצְרָיִם. וְהַקּוֹרֵא אוֹמֵר בֵּית יַעֲקֹב מֵעַם לֹעֵז וְכָל הָעָם עוֹנִין הַלְלוּיָהּ עַד שֶׁיֹּאמַר אָהַבְתִּי כִּי יִשְׁמַע ה' אֶת קוֹלִי תַּחֲנוּנָי וְכָל הָעָם חוֹזְרִין וְאוֹמְרִין אָהַבְתִּי כִּי יִשְׁמַע ה' וְכוּ'. וְכֵן כְּשֶׁיֹּאמַר הַקּוֹרֵא הַלְלוּ אֶת ה' כָּל גּוֹיִם כָּל הָעָם חוֹזְרִין וְאוֹמְרִין הַלְלוּ אֶת ה' כָּל גּוֹיִם:

[It is] also [customary that] when the reader reaches the beginning of each and every chapter, the people repeat the line he recited. What is implied? When he recites the line B'tzeit Yisrael miMitzrayim, the people repeat the line B'tzeit Yisrael miMitzrayim.The reader then recites beit Yaakov me'am lo'ez and all the people respond, Halleluyah. [They continue to respond Halleluyah after each bar] until the reader reads, Ahavti ki yishma A-donai et koli tachanunai,, the beginning of Psalm 116 according to our present reckoning.Rav Kapach explains the Rambam's ruling based on the Jerusalem Talmud (Shabbat 16:1) which states that there are 147 chapters in the book of Psalms. According to the custom he cites, our Psalms 115 and 116 are a single chapter. There are, however, commentaries that maintain that the omission of Lo lanu is merely a printing error. to which the people all respond, Ahavti ki yishma A-donai.... Similarly, when the reader reads Hallelu et A-donai kol goyim, which begins Psalm 118. the people all respond, Hallelu et A-donai kol goyim.

הַקּוֹרֵא אוֹמֵר אָנָּא ה' הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא וְהֵם עוֹנִין אַחֲרָיו אָנָּא ה' הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא. אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵינוֹ רֹאשׁ פֶּרֶק. הוּא אוֹמֵר אָנָּא ה' הַצְלִיחָה נָּא וְהֵם עוֹנִים אָנָּא ה' הַצְלִיחָה נָּא. הוּא אוֹמֵר בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא וְכָל הָעָם אוֹמְרִים בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא. וְאִם הָיָה הַמַּקְרֵא אֶת הַהַלֵּל קָטָן אוֹ עֶבֶד אוֹ אִשָּׁה עוֹנָה אַחֲרֵיהֶם מַה שֶּׁהֵן אוֹמְרִין מִלָּה מִלָּה בְּכָל הַהַלֵּל. זֶהוּ הַמִּנְהָג הָרִאשׁוֹן וּבוֹ רָאוּי לֵילֵךְ. אֲבָל בִּזְמַנִּים אֵלּוּ רָאִיתִי בְּכָל הַמְּקוֹמוֹת מִנְהָגוֹת מְשֻׁנּוֹת בִּקְרִיאָתוֹ וּבַעֲנִיַּת הָעָם וְאֵין אֶחָד מֵהֶם דּוֹמֶה לְאֶחָד:

The reader should read, Anna A-donai hoshi'ah na, and [the people] should repeat Anna A-donai hoshi'ah na, although it is not the beginning of a chapter. He [then] reads Anna A-donai hatzlichah na, and they repeat Anna A-donai hatzlichah na. He reads Baruch haba... and they respond Baruch haba..... Based on manuscripts and early printings of the Mishneh Torah, some authorities amend the text so that it reads: "He reads Baruch haba... and they respond beshem A-donai."At present, it is customary to recite this and the following verses a second time, but not to do so in response to the reader.If the person reading the Hallel was a minor, a slave, or a woman, [the people] should repeat the entire Hallel after them word by word. is recited in the manner described by the Rambam, the entire congregation does not recite the entire Hallel themselves. They nevertheless fulfill their obligation, based on the principle that "one who listens is considered as if he recited [the prayers] himself" (see Hilchot Berachot 1:11).This principle does not apply, however, when the person reciting the prayer is not obligated to do so. Hence, since all the individuals mentioned by the Rambam (quoting Sukkah 3:10) are not obligated to say Hallel, an adult male cannot fulfill his obligation by listening to their recitation. By repeating the Hallel word for word, he does fulfill his obligation, since in this manner he recites the entire Hallel.The Mishnah (loc. cit.) states that a person who must have one of the above read for him is worthy of a curse. The intent is that he should learn how to read himself. The above represents the custom followed in the early ages and it is fitting to adhere to it. At present, however, I have seen different customs in all places with regard to the reading of [the Hallel] and the responses of the people, not one of them resembling another.