Hallel, which means “praise,” is a joyous prayer recited on holidays and consists of six chapters of Psalms (113-118) that praise God and express appreciation for God’s works, with blessings at the beginning and end. The full Hallel is recited on the first day of Pesach (in the diaspora, the first two), Shavuot, all of Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and (in the diaspora) Simchat Torah, and all of Chanukkah. An abridged version, known as half Hallel, is recited on the last six days of Pesach and on Rosh Chodesh. Hallel is also recited on other celebratory days in some communities, most notably Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim.
