Over the years, Western Sephardi communities have accumulated many, wonderful melodies to sing around the Shabbat table. One of the best resources for these melodies is the book Sephardic Songs of Praise edited by Rev. Abraham Lopes Cardozo (Z'L), longtime Hazzan of the The Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue in New York.

Following are a few of the beautiful melodies to be found there along with recordings of them by Rev. Cardozo:

Lecha Dodi

Written by Rabbi Solomon Alkabets (1505-1584), Lecha Dodi is a hymn welcoming the Sabbath.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KN3UdaN-Vs

Tzur Mishelo

This melody originates from Florence, Italy, and is sometimes enhanced by two rhythmic taps on a glass.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8b9PuixOdg

Yom Ze LeIsrael

The words of this hymn were written by Isaac Luria (1534-1572), who lived in Safed. This tune is sung in Holland by both Ashkenazim and Sephardim.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOQSaZFfadw

Bendigamos

No Shabbat table would be complete without a rendition of this favorite melody, perhaps associated with the Spanish & Portuguese Jews more than any other. It is believed to have originated with the S&P community of Bordeaux.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks8xAyD0mB0

Joshua de Sola Mendes