A TorahTutors student learned in the Gemara (Pesachim 117a; Steinsaltz translation/commentary from Sefaria):
The Prophets among them established this hallel for the Jewish people, that they should recite it on every appropriate occasion; and for every trouble, may it not come upon them, they recite the supplications included in hallel. When they are redeemed, they recite it over their redemption, as hallel includes expressions of gratitude for the redemption.
This Gemara led to discussion not only of the holidays listed in the Talmud for recitation of Hallel, but also the question of how to determine appropriate post-Talmudic occasions for its recitation – a highly relevant discussion on days like Yom Ha’Atzmaut (celebrated several weeks ago) and Yom Yerushalayim, today. The tutor selected passages from this article (https://www.etzion.org.il/en/celebrating-yom-ha-atzmaut-and-yom-yerushalayim) to share that would help the student appreciate the halachic considerations that led to decisions for or against recitation of Hallel on either/both of these modern holidays – while also gaining practice in the exercise of reading halachic analyses.
A TuesdayTorahTutorsTidbit: Real Torah, from real TorahTutors sessions.
