In many expressions of the Christian community, "hallelujah" has been taken a step further than indicated in your most helpful answer to my previous question. Not only is it recognized as a praise in itself, but it is regarded as the "highest" praise that we can give or offer to God. Is there any justification in Judaism for this exalting of the word hallelujah? Thank you for your assistance. Byron Johnson

Hallelu-y-a is an important way of praising G-d, but it is only one of many ways to do so. I may add that speaking to G-d directly from your heart, is the most important praise and prayer, especially for non-Jews who don't speak Hebrew. With Love of Israel, Rav Ari Shvat