It’s the weekly tonal shift that somehow still catches many synagogue-goers by surprise. I’m speaking of course of the tune-switch that the Friday night hazan pulls for the last few stanzas of “Lecha ...

There is an unsolved mystery at the heart of one of the most popular Jewish songs in history. Every Friday evening, Jews around the world recite the poetic prayer “Lecha Dodi” to welcome the Sabbath.

Friday night Shabbat services at Tzedek Chicago have all the hallmarks of a typical service, with candle lighting and a rousing rendition of Lecha Dodi, a key hymn welcoming the Sabbath. But this ...