I got this email and I don’t understand the significance of saying hallel (psalms of praise) on Israeli Independence Day and whether or not you say hallel with a bracha (blessing).
Does this have to do with belief (or lack thereof) in the divine status of the modern state of Israel?
Here’s an excerpt of the email I received today:
Now back to Yom Ha’atzmaut, what am I trying to tell you, is that I believe that everyone has a right to what they believe in their heart in regard to religion. If you believe that you do not say Halel or Lain or Haftarah, in my opinion it’s not correct but that’s your belief. This morning Davening started and they did not say the lengthened Shabbat/YT P’sukei D’Zimra ok I came to the wrong shul, let’s finish davening and go on with my day. But then after the repetition of the Amida, the Baal Tefillah was a little confused on what to say next and a few people yelled out Hallel after Uvah LeZion. I was then shocked. You don’t want to say Hallel fine but to say oh, we say Hallel but at the end and without a Bracha. I took that as an insult not just to me but to every Jew, Israeli and especially to those that perished in wars and terrorist attacks, defending our land.
Don’t patronize Israel or it’s martyrs’.
I thought to myself, if this is what’s considered a Zionist Modern Orthodox shul in the greater LA area. I think I rather be considered “a religious Jew” than a Modern Orthodox Jew. For me, yes there’s a difference.
Jane emails:
Yes, you are right it has to do with legitimizing the modern state. The opposing camp holds that Israel is not a Halachic state and therefore is not meriting Hallel (the prayer reserved for festivals, such as Pessach, Shavuot and Sukkut) The religious Zionist hold the belief that Israel is "Atchalta D’Geulah" (The beginning of redemption) and therefore Hallel need to be added. Another factor that is complicating the discussion: The S’firah. During the 50 days between Pesach and Shavout there is a morning period for Rabbi Akiva’s students who died. (24,000 of them) During the S’firah there are no celebrations such as wedding or Bar Mitzvah’s. No hair cuts and some refrain from shaving. The only brake is during Lag B’aomer. Israel was declared as free state -Yom HaAtzmaut during that period. The opposers of saying Hallel site the Sfirah as a reason why it’s forbidden to say a joyful prayer as Hallel during that time. Some make a compromise and say the Hallel without a Bracha.
