Passover 23

Our fourth cup is now filled. We are to recite over it the HALLEL. There are actually two Hallels. There is the familiar "Hallel Mitzrayim" (Hallel of Egypt; Psalms 113-118) so called because a large portion of it gives thanks for the Exodus. This Hallel is recited on other holidays as well, but has special connection with Passover. In many communities (and all in Israel) it is also recited in the synagogue after the evening service of Passover. I noted in a previous post that we actually recite the beginning of this Hallel at the conclusion of the narrative MAGGID part of the SEDER, concluding it now. In a sense, the celebratory meal is part of our Praise; another kind of Hallel. The other Hallel is called Hallel Hagadol; the great Hallel. It consists of one Psalm (136). Although this Hallel is actually much shorter than the Hallel Mitzrayim, it is called "great" because it has twenty six verses, all ending in "His mercy endures forever". We recite both Hallels, followed by what is called the "Birkat HaShir" (the blessing for song); a rather lengthy description of the meaning of recognition of G-d's goodness. This section is also recited in the morning service each Shabbat and holiday, and begins with the words "Nishmat Kol Hai" (the soul of every living creature). In Israel, as well as the rest of the Mediterranean region, there is no rain in the Summer. The Winter rains are vital for survival. The Hallel Hagadol together with the Birkat HaShir, were said when the first life-giving rain would fall (usually in October). It was a praise to G-d for life itself. Therefore, the Sages saw it as fitting that we recite it at the conclusion of the Seder. After the Birkat HaShir, the fourth cup is drunk, leaning to the left. Kabbalists meditate of the letter Heh, completing the Divine Name. Most Sepharadim do not recite the blessing for wine over this cup, as the blessing for the third cup covers it, there being no major interruption between the third and fourth cups.Most Ashkenazim do recite the blessing, as each of the cups represents another essential segment of the Seder. In some communities, based on the ruling of RAMBAM, there is a separate cup for each of the two Hallels, making a total of five cups at the Seder. The Seder is now over, NIRTZAH (it is accepted). In many communities a short prayer is made, declaring our wish to celebrate the Seder again and again. Then all say "Next Year in Jerusalem" and the Seder is officially over. In most communities, various songs are sung after the Seder. These are optional, and differ from community to community. However, they give a more festive feeling to the night, and are perhaps the most beloved part of the Seder for many. Some people now recite the Song of Songs, which speaks of the love of an engaged couple for each other. This is seen as a metaphor for the love between G-d and the Jewish people. Passover is the beginning of that romance. We now begin our journey to Sinai, where the "wedding" will take place. In Israel, there is only one Seder. In the Diaspora we repeat the entire ceremony again the following night. My first year in Israel, I told the renowned Rabbi Shabbetai Sabato, who was my neighbor, that I just couldn't wrap my mind around not having a second Seder. He told me that the Seder is so unique and so special, he could not wrap is his mind around having it twice. There is truth in each.