Rabbi Yoel Lieberman
Question
Which congregations say Anin Zemirot before Kriyat hatorah
Answer
ב"ה Shalom An'im Zemirot or Shir Hakavod has been with us since the 12 or 13 century. It has gone through many controversies in regard to saying it at all, or when or how often to say it. Until this day it is not exactly clear who composed it. {see my self study lesson on Shir Hyichud 1 & 2 on this website} Many authorities say it was written by Rav Yehuda Hechasid of Regensburg the son of Rav Shmuel Hechasid o.b.m. who was known for his extensive piety. Some say Rav Shmuel Hechasid, wrote Anin Zemirot, while his son, Rav Yehuda Hechasid, wrote the rest of the similar hymns known as "Shir Hayichud". Not everyone agrees that it should be said by a child, even though that is the prevalent custom. Nonetheless, Ani'm Zemirot is said in most Shuls. Earlier customs show that it was said before the Tefilla. See: ערוך השולחן אורח חיים סימן רפו :ו , סימן תקפ"ד Other sources say that the custom is to say it after the Tefilla, which seems to be the custom in most Shuls. See:לבוש סי' קלג However, Rav Yeshayahu Horowitz = known as the Shlah Hakadosh zt"l, made a very important note about Shir Hakavod, that it should be said calmy and not it a rush because of the high praises to Hashem. And if it is said in a rush, it's better not to be said at all. (See;קיצור של"ה " ,אוצר התפילות א, עמ' 748).) Because of this reason it seems, because at the end of Tefilla on Shabbat people are no longer focused, many Shuls decided to give An'im Zemirot the proper respect and to say it before taking out the Sefer Torah after Shacharit. Although, this is largely a relatively new custom it is sanctioned by very important Halachic authorities. It also may possibly be, since An'im Zemirot is said after Shir Shel Yom following Nusach Ashkenaz, in shuls which follow Nusach Sefard, which say Shir Shel Yom after Shacharit decided to include An'im Zemirot after Shir Shel Yom. See: רבבות אפרים חלק ו סי' קסד, שאילת שלמה ד:י , פסקי תשובות רפו:יא See also : שו"ת עשה לך רב חלק ג סימן טו All the best
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