This Shabbat Shuvah (September 19, 2026), shuls from Hong Kong to Barcelona will sing “Eitz Chaim” in memory of its composer, Tanchum Portnoy z”l.
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, September 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — For fifty years, the melody Tanchum Portnoy composed for “Eitz Chaim” has carried the Torah back to the ark in shuls around the world, and it will be sung for eternity. This Shabbat Shuvah (September 19, 2026), his family asked for one thing: that shuls everywhere come together to sing it in his memory and acknowledge him as its composer. Portnoy passed away on Shabbat Rosh Hashanah, September 12, 2026.
The response has circled the globe. This Shabbat, shuls from Hong Kong to Barcelona, Stockholm to Dallas, Oxford to Montreal, Los Angeles to Teaneck will sing his melody and say his name – among them Ohel Leah Synagogue in Hong Kong, Comunidad Judia de Barcelona, Chabad of Stockholm, Congregation Shaare Tefilla of Dallas, Chabad of Oxford, Congregation Shaar Hashomayim of Montreal, Los Angeles’ Beth Jacob Congregation and B’nai David-Judea, Adas Yeshurun Herzlia of Winnipeg, the Jewish Center of Teaneck, and communities joining by the hour.
The ask remains simple: sing “Eitz Chaim” as the Torah is returned to the ark – and if your shul can, print the announcement in your bulletin or share it from the bimah. Everything a shul needs – the story, the original 1975 recording, and ready-to-use announcement texts – is at https://www.eitzchaim.co.
“My father’s melody has carried the Torah home in shuls for fifty years,” said his son, Eli Portnoy. “This Shabbat, the whole Jewish world is carrying it back to him. Our family could not imagine a greater comfort.”
Shuls that would like to join this Shabbat can find everything at https://www.eitzchaim.co.
Contact: Eli Portnoy, eportnoy@gmail.com
Eli Portnoy
Eli Portnoy
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