Psalms of Passover

The Psalms have played a central role in the preparation and celebration of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread since the Jewish return from exile in Babylon. The Psalms of Ascent (120-134) were sung each year during the Jewish pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the spring celebrations as well as for the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths. The Egyptian Hallel (Hebrew for praise, 113-118) and the Great Hallel (136) continue to be recited as part of the Passover seder.