a Closed Vowel (when it is pronounced o as in dog). In unstressed Open Syllables the Qames is an Open Vowel as in the first syllable (דָּ) of דָּוִד (David). In unstressed Closed Syllables the Qames is a Closed Vowel as in the first syllable (חָכְ) of חָכְמָה (wisdom). However, if the Qames is in a stressed Open or Closed Syllable, it can be either an Open or Closed Vowel. To illustrate this point, let us look at the word בָּקָר (herd), which is composed of two syllables. The first syllable (בָּ)
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