Rabbi Gershon Seif has been a active participant at Beyond BT from day one. He is an accomplished musician and you can listen to some of his music here. It is very fitting that he has chosen to share some thoughts on Hallel.
So the Seder’s been moving right along. We’ve told the story of our nation’s history, asked the questions and discussed the answers. We’ve tried our best to drink the wine, eat the Matzah, Marror, Koreich, with thoughts on so much symbolism. After weeks of preparation, cooking, inviting friends and family, the meal’s over. Where does this special night’s journey lead us?
Hallel! – Song!
The first part of Hallel was recited before the meal. Following the meal, we complete the Hallel. Seems odd, no? Some commentaries explain that the meal is actually part of the Hallel. To better understand that, let’s try to understand what Hallel is all about.
Hallel, is the song of joy one sings when dwelling on having been delivered. All the stories and history taught this evening, lead up to this moment. Have the ideas discussed impacted us? Have we allowed the emotions to flow (especially for those who frequent this blog, we who have our own personal stories of Exodus to reflect on)? Do we still have but a casual meal with family and friends or can this too be elevated to something far more special, far more spiritual? Do we leave this Pesach discussion in the intellectual realm, or can we open ourselves up to allow the Pesach message to go deep inside?
Let the message of nationhood with a unique mission, penetrate. Hashem is in our lives too! He cares! We each have a specific calling! With family and friends all around, let’s sing together!
Want your kids to learn a real lesson on this night? Let them see tears of joy flow down your face. Open your heart and sing! Passover has touched your life!
Many Rishonim ( especially Ran in the name of Rav Hai Gaon as explained by the Brisker Rav ZTL) understand that Hallel on Seder night is a spontaneous form of song that need not require a bracha ( “Likro es HaHallel”) because it is sung literally in the midst of the miracle, as opposed to just recalling it.
I once heard the following very cute explanation from R Beinish Ginsberg-Let’s imagine that you had watched the Giants-Bills Super Bowl or some similar sports event and seen the game from the begiinning to the wild finish. That’s being right there “bshas hanes.” However, when you replay the game subsequently,in whatever way, that is recalling the nes.