The Quest for God as Reflected in ‘Anim Zemirot’

February 19th, 2020, 7:00 pm
Adas Israel Congregation
2850 Quebec Street NW
Washington, DC 20008

Instructor: William Liss-Levinson

What are we to make of the prayer “Anim Zemirot,” the so-called “hymn of glory”? Some synagogues sing this long alphabetic hymn near the end of every Shabbat and holiday service; others never sing it at all; and there is even a tradition of it being so holy that it should only be sung on Yom Kippur morning! In synagogues where it is sung regularly, it is most often read responsively, using various tunes, and joyously led by children of pre-B’nai Mitzvah age. Let’s take a very serious look at several sentences in this amazing piece of liturgy and see how they reflect a passionate quest for God. See if you can hear your own voice in its poetic expressions of yearning and humility.

William Liss-Levinson, PhD, is a health care executive who has written and lectured extensively on topics in Jewish philosophy, theology and health care. He also serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Academy for Jewish Religion in Yonkers, NY.

JSC, Adas members $15, others $20 (W-5)