Al HaNissim and Hallel

How do we express gratitude for miracles that happened thousands of years ago? Two special prayer additions, Al HaNissim and Hallel, are the Jewish tradition's answer. They are recited on holidays to acknowledge God's miraculous interventions in Jewish history and to express praise and thanksgiving. Understanding when and why they are said enriches the experience of every holiday.

Al HaNissim: For the Miracles

Al HaNissim (For the Miracles) is a prayer of thanksgiving inserted into two places in the daily liturgy on Chanukah and Purim: in the Amidah (Shemoneh Esrei), within the Modim (thanksgiving) blessing, and in Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals), within the Nodeh Lecha section.

The prayer begins with a general statement of thanks: For the miracles, for the redemption, for the mighty deeds, for the salvations, and for the battles that You performed for our ancestors in those days, at this time. It then continues with a specific account of the holiday's miracle.

On Chanukah: The Al HaNissim text describes the Greek oppression, the defilement of the Temple, and the victory of the Maccabees. It mentions how God delivered the mighty into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few. It concludes with the Jews entering the Temple, purifying it, and kindling lights, establishing the eight days of Chanukah as days of praise and thanksgiving.

On Purim: The text describes Haman's plot to destroy the Jews, Esther and Mordechai's intervention, and the reversal of fortunes. It tells how Haman was hanged on the very gallows he prepared for Mordechai, and how the Jews' enemies were overcome.

Hallel: Psalms of Praise

Hallel is a collection of Psalms (113-118) recited as a unit of praise and thanksgiving on holidays. The psalms express joy, gratitude, and trust in God, with themes including the Exodus from Egypt, the splitting of the sea, and the universal acknowledgment of God's greatness.

Full Hallel vs. Half Hallel

Full Hallel (all six psalms without omissions) is recited on the first day of Passover (first two days outside of Israel), Shavuot, all eight days of Chanukah, Sukkot, and Shemini Atzeret. Full Hallel is introduced with a blessing.

Half Hallel (two sections are omitted: Psalms 115:1-11 and 116:1-11) is recited on the intermediate and final days of Passover and on Rosh Chodesh (the new month). Half Hallel is also introduced with a blessing in many communities.

Why No Hallel on Purim?

Interestingly, Hallel is not recited on Purim, despite the great miracle. Several reasons are given. The reading of the Megillah itself serves as a form of Hallel (praise). The miracle of Purim occurred outside the Land of Israel, and the Hallel psalms specifically reference events in the Land. Additionally, after the Purim miracle, the Jews were still subjects of King Achashverosh, so the redemption was incomplete, and full Hallel requires complete redemption.

Why Half Hallel on Later Days of Passover?

On the last days of Passover, we recite only half Hallel. The Talmud explains: God said, My creatures are drowning in the sea, and you are reciting songs? This refers to the Egyptian soldiers who drowned at the Sea of Reeds. Our joy is tempered by the awareness that even our enemies are God's creatures, and their suffering diminishes our celebration.

Why Full Hallel All Eight Days of Chanukah?

Unlike Passover, where full Hallel is only on the first day, Chanukah has full Hallel all eight days. The explanation is that each day of Chanukah features its own distinct miracle (the oil lasting one additional day), making each day independently worthy of full praise.

The Spiritual Message

Both Al HaNissim and Hallel train us in the art of gratitude. Al HaNissim teaches us to recognize God's hand in historical events. Hallel teaches us to respond with praise and joy. Together, they ensure that Jewish holidays are not just commemorations of the past but living expressions of gratitude in the present.

For more on the holidays, see our guides to Chanukah, Purim, and the Jewish holiday cycle.