Shuls worldwide to sing Eitz Chaim in memory of Tanchum Portnoy

Synagogues and Jewish communities around the world will sing Tanchum Gershon Portnoy’s “Eitz Chaim” this Shabbat, September 19, in a tribute organized by his family after his death on Shabbat Rosh Hashanah. The effort aims to honor the composer behind one of the most widely sung melodies in Jewish life and make the memorial easy for congregations to join.

Why it matters: - Tanchum Gershon Portnoy’s melody has become part of regular Jewish prayer life in shuls around the world. - The tribute turns a familiar synagogue moment into a global memorial for the composer. - The family’s invitation gives congregations a simple way to participate and share his story.

What happened: - Synagogues and communities around the world will sing “Eitz Chaim” this Shabbat, September 19, which is Shabbat Shuvah and 8 Tishrei 5787. - The tribute is in memory of Tanchum Gershon Portnoy, who died this week on Shabbat Rosh Hashanah. - Portnoy’s family organized the remembrance and asked every shul to sing his melody this Shabbat. - His son, Eli Portnoy, said, “My father gave the world a melody. This Shabbat, the world sings it back to him.”

The details: - Portnoy composed the melody at age 22. - The melody first appeared on his 1975 album “Tanchumim.” - Leading cantors and his friend Shlomo Carlebach helped popularize the tune. - The melody is sung as the Torah is returned to the ark. - Families and congregations are encouraged to share a few words about Portnoy before singing, during announcements, or in a shul bulletin. - A ready-to-use shul announcement, the original 1975 recording, and family photos are available at more information.

Between the lines: - The tribute highlights how a single melody can move from a personal composition to a shared ritual across generations. - By packaging announcements, recordings and photos together, the family is making participation easy for synagogues that want to join but may not know how to frame the moment. - The timing on Shabbat Shuvah adds extra emotional weight because the service already carries themes of reflection and return.

What’s next: - Congregations can choose to include the tribute in services, announcements or bulletins this Shabbat. - The family’s website will likely serve as the main hub for shul materials and participation. - The communal singing is expected to spread across multiple communities as news of the memorial circulates.

The bottom line: - Portnoy’s “Eitz Chaim” is being used as both a prayerful moment and a global farewell, with shuls invited to turn a standard ritual into a collective act of remembrance.