Praise and Gratitude in Miracles For תרל”ה 7
הלל והודאה.
Hallel and thanksgiving.
The Sefat Emet introduces the distinction between two modes of praise: Hallel and thanksgiving.
נראה דהלל נתקן על נס הנרות כי בהודאה לא נזכר הנס וגם כי הודאה שייך על דבר שאין יכול להתקיים בל”ז ומודה להשי”ת שעזרהו כמו ד’ שצריכין להודות ולכך ההודאה נתקן על ההצלה.
It appears that Hallel was instituted for the miracle of the lights, for in the thanksgiving prayer the miracle is not mentioned; and also, thanksgiving applies to something that could not endure on its own, and one gives thanks to the Holy One, blessed be He, for helping him, as with the four who must give thanks; therefore the thanksgiving was established for the salvation.
The Sefat Emet explains that thanksgiving is directed toward situations where survival or rescue was impossible without divine aid. Therefore it pertains to deliverance from danger, not the miracle of the oil.
והלל על נס הנרות שהי’ רק לתוספות חיבה ולשמחה יתירה ועל זה שייך הלל.
And Hallel concerns the miracle of the lights, which was solely an expression of added affection and increased joy, and for this Hallel is appropriate.
Hallel expresses joy and praise for miracles that are not strictly necessary for survival but reveal divine love beyond what is required.
ועוד יתבאר לפנינו בס”ד:
And further explanation will be clarified before us, with God’s help.
The Sefat Emet signals that this idea will be expanded later.
Summary: Thanksgiving relates to deliverance from danger, whereas Hallel expresses joy over miracles of divine affection, such as the Chanuka lights.
