The synagogical songs of the Sephardic Jews in Bulgaria can be divided into two main sections: (1) recitative singing of texts in prose, which is performed in accordance with definite fixed patterns in different scales, and (2) solemn hymns on poetic texts.

The recitatives differ in their manner of performance and in melody from the people's songs of the Balkans. Similar are only their scales, which are in general encountered in the songs of all Balkan peoples (including the Sephardic Jews in Bulgaria).

The solemn hymns, however, are very close in melody to some urban songs of the Balkan peoples, and in particular to those of Greeks and Bulgarians. In certain cases we encounter direct borrowings of melodies from urban folkore, to which paschal, atonement (Yom Kippur), Friday evening, etc., synagogical songs are sung. Performed by the cantors and the congregation, these songs show a certain similarity with liturgical songs in general.