Shuls Around the World to Sing ‘Eitz Chaim’ This Shabbat in Memory of Its Composer, Tanchum Portnoy

One melody. Shuls around the world. A Shabbat in his memory.

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, September 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — This Shabbat, September 19 (Shabbat Shuvah, 8 Tishrei 5787), synagogues and communities around the world will sing “Eitz Chaim” in memory of Tanchum Gershon Portnoy, who composed the melody sung in shuls across the globe and passed away this week on Shabbat Rosh Hashanah.

Portnoy composed the melody at just 22 years old. First released on his 1975 album “Tanchumim,” it was popularized by leading cantors and by his good friend Shlomo Carlebach, and became one of the most widely sung melodies in Jewish life – sung by generations as the Torah is returned to the ark.

The tribute, organized by his family, invites every shul to sing his Eitz Chaim this Shabbat and to share a few words about the man behind the melody – before singing, during announcements, or in the shul bulletin. A ready-to-use shul announcement, the original 1975 recording, and family photos are available at eitzchaim.co.

“My father gave the world a melody. This Shabbat, the world sings it back to him,” said his son, Eli Portnoy.

Media contact: Eli Portnoy, eportnoy@gmail.com
###

Eli Portnoy
Portnoy Family
+1 917-282-8573
email us here
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Other

Media gallery