Hebrew

The liturgical compilation Hallel (“praise”) opens with Psalm 113. Originally, this psalm was recited by women who gave birth after being barren, reminiscent of the song of Channah in 1 Samuel 2. A close look, however, suggests that its opening verses are a later supplement meant to introduce the larger Hallel collection.

And what they reveal about his identity

How does the Hebrew verbal system work? Where does the vav, the Hebrew conjunction often translated as “and,” fit in?