The hallel prayer, a collection of songs of thanksgiving and praise to the Almighty, is one of the oldest and most original examples of traditional Jewish liturgy. It consists of the following chapters from the book of Psalms: 113-118, plus a number of important additional verses. The sages speculate (BT Pesahim 117:A) as to its exact source and time of origin of the recitation of hallel, and essentially they are of two opinions: Either it was sung the first time by Moses and the Children and Israel when the sea split before them; or, it was written by King David.
In all probability, both opinions are correct. Ever since its inception as a nation, Israel has collectively given praise to G-d through the songs of the hallel. But it was the sweet psalmist of Israel, the anointed King David, who later organized the ancient songs and put them in order. He also completed the book of psalms with many of his own original work.
Historical Background: "Ten Elders"
This approach to understanding how the hallel came to be written as we know it today can apply to the entire book of Psalms, as well. For while David wrote most of the Psalms and published them, some had been transmitted to him from previous generations (Shir HaShirim Rabbah 4:3). There is a discussion in the Talmud as to whether the Psalms were written prophetically (Maimonides, Guide for the Perplexed, 2:45).
In addition to King David, there is a tradition (BT Bava Batra 14:B) that ten elders wrote and contributed portions of the book of Psalms:
- Adam Psalm 92
- Malkitzedek Psalm 110
- Abraham Psalm 89
- Moses Psalms 90-100
- Heiman Psalm 88
- Yeduthun Psalms 39,62, 77
- Asaph Psalms 50, 73-83
- Assir ben Korah Psalms 42, 49, 78, 84, 85, 88
- Elkanah ben Korah Same as above
- Aviassaph ben Korah Same as above
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