Late to shul on Rosh Chodesh?

Hi,

We have said that Hallel is meant to be recited on Rosh Chodesh with a minyan, to the point that some question whether one who recites Hallel alone should recite a berachah upon Hallel or not.

Therefore, one who comes to shul on Rosh Chodesh just before Hallel should recite Hallel with the minyan before reciting the rest of davening. Further, one who is in the middle of psukei d’zimra when Hallel begins should recite Hallel, without a berachah, before continuing psukei d’zimra.

(Mishneh Berurah 422:16, Aruch haShulchan Orach Chaim 422:8)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

A 'minyan' for Hallel on Rosh Chodesh

Hi,

We have mentioned the preference for a minyan for Hallel on Rosh Chodesh.

In truth, the requirement is not for a minyan, per se; even having three people present, so that one leads "Hodu" and the others respond, may suffice.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 422:2; Mishneh Berurah 422:18)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The berachah for Hallel on Rosh Chodesh

Hi,

We have noted that the practice of reciting Hallel on Rosh Chodesh is a minhag, rather than a requirement of the day. Therefore, there is some debate as to whether one recites a berachah for this recitation.

General Ashkenazi practice is to recite a berachah for Hallel on Rosh Chodesh, as we do for various other minhagim. However, one should make sure to do this with a minyan, or at least several other people, to satisfy the view that one only recites the berachah for a communal recitation of Hallel.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 422:2; Mishneh Berurah 422:15-16)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Half-Hallel for Rosh Chodesh

Hi,

Rosh Chodesh does not technically warrant recitation of Hallel; Hillel is reserved for days with special sanctity, when acts of melachah are prohibited.

Nonetheless, by custom we do recite Hallel. To distinguish between this customary Hallel and other, obligatory recitations, we omit two paragraphs from this Hallel, creating what we term חצי הלל, Half-Hallel.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 422:2; Mishneh Berurah 422:12)

Have a great day,
Mordechai