Anim Zemirot

What is the prayer "Anim Zemirot"?

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Anim Zemirot, is recited in many synagogues at the conclusion of the Shabbat and yom tov morning prayers. It is considered to be an especially powerful and exalted praise of G-d. In fact, it is so holy that many congregations will only recite it on more “distinguished” Shabbats and not for every Shabbat. There is even a view that Anim Zemirot should only be recited on Yom Kippur. Others suggest reciting it only on Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and other yamim tovim. Indeed, in many congregations, Anim Zemirot is recited at the beginning of the service on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

Anim Zemirot is generally recited at the end of the service, though a number of congregations recite it before the Torah reading. It is usually recited responsively by the chazzan and the congregation. In fact, it is very important that the congregation wait until the chazzan has completed his verse before they start theirs. If this formula cannot be assured, it might be preferable not to recite Anim Zemirot at all. The aron kodesh is opened for the recitation of Anim Zemirot.

It is not entirely clear who wrote Anim Zemirot. Many scholars suggest that it was written by Rabbi Yehuda Hachassid. Others suggest that it was actually written by Rabbi Yehuda Hachassid’s father, Rabbi Shmuel ben Kolonymus of Regensburg. There are a number of other authorship possibilities, as well. There is reason to believe that Anim Zemirot was influenced by the work Emunot V’deot by Saadia Gaon. Anim Zemirot is not found in Chabad, Sephardic, or Yemenite siddurim. One whose custom is not to recite Anim Zemirot should nevertheless participate in its recitation when one finds oneself in a congregation that does recite it.

 SOURCES: Levush 133; Aruch Hashulchan, OC 286:6; Ma’aseh Rav 53, 170; Teshuvot V’hanhagot 2:81; Likutei Maharich, vol. 3 p.68;