An'Im Zemirot

("Sweet hymns shall be my chant"). Opening words of the "Hymn of Glory" (Shir ha-Kavod) attributed to Judah He-ḥasid (d. 1217), a medieval German mystic who traditionally composed the Sefer Ḥasidim ("Book of the Pious"). Biblical, rabbinic, and kabbalistic elements are mingled in this song of praise to the Creator, which employs bold and vivid metaphors that come close to anthropomorphism---even if the poet did not mean them to be taken literally. Apart from the prologue (lines 1-4) and epilogue (lines 28-31), An'im Zemirot is an alphabetical acrostic hymn; there are rhyming half-lines throughout and two biblical verses (I Chr. 29:11; Ps. 106:2) are added at the end. It has figured in Ashkenazi prayer books since the 16th century, despite strenuous opposition from Solomon Luria, who thought Shir ha-Kavod too holy for liturgical use. Objections on similar grounds were also voiced by Judah Löw Ben Bezalel (Maharal of Prague), Jacob Emden, and Elijah Gaon of Vilna, who felt that this sublime hymn should be reserved for Sabbaths and holy days. Until recently, however, many congregations recited it daily. In most Diaspora communities, An'im Zemirot is now recited (before Adon Olam) at the conclusion of the Additional Service on Sabbaths and festivals, sometimes also at the end of Kol Nidré on the Day of Atonement. Israeli congregations usually recite it before the Reading of the Law at the end of Morning Service on Sabbaths and holy days. After the Ark has been opened, alternate verses are chanted by the reader and congregants. It has become a widespread practice for a boy (or also a girl in non-Orthodox congregations) under the age of 13 to serve as soloist.

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