Shuls worldwide set to sing Tanchum Portnoy’s Eitz Chaim this Shabbat Shuvah

Synagogues from Hong Kong to Barcelona will sing Tanchum Portnoy’s “Eitz Chaim” on Sept. 19, 2026, in a coordinated tribute to the late composer. The effort marks the 50-year-old melody’s global reach and gives shuls a simple way to honor Portnoy as the Torah is returned to the ark.

Why it matters: - Tanchum Portnoy’s melody for “Eitz Chaim” has become a familiar part of synagogue life for roughly five decades. - The Shabbat Shuvah tribute turns a widely used tune into a global memorial for its composer. - The effort gives synagogues a shared, simple way to recognize Portnoy at the moment the Torah is returned to the ark.

What happened: - On Shabbat Shuvah, Sept. 19, 2026, synagogues around the world are expected to sing “Eitz Chaim” in memory of Tanchum Portnoy z”l. - Portnoy died on Shabbat Rosh Hashanah, Sept. 12, 2026. - His family asked shuls to sing the melody in his memory and acknowledge him as the composer. - Communities named as joining the tribute include 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, Beth Jacob Congregation in Los Angeles, B’nai David-Judea, Adas Yeshurun Herzlia of Winnipeg, and the Jewish Center of Teaneck.

The details: - The requested moment is the return of the Torah to the ark. - Shuls are also being asked to print the announcement in their bulletins or share it from the bimah. - Organizers say the full package for participating shuls includes the story, the original 1975 recording and ready-to-use announcement text. - That material is available at More information. - The same site is being shared for additional shuls that want to join.

Between the lines: - The response described so far suggests the tribute spread quickly across continents, with communities joining by the hour. - The campaign is as much about attribution as remembrance: the family wants Portnoy’s name tied directly to the melody he created. - The scale of participation underscores how a single liturgical tune can become part of collective Jewish memory.

What’s next: - More synagogues can still join the tribute before or during Shabbat Shuvah. - Participating shuls can use the provided recording and announcement materials to coordinate the observance. - The melody is likely to remain linked to Portnoy’s legacy well beyond this one Shabbat.

The bottom line: - A long-used synagogue melody is becoming a worldwide memorial, with shuls asked to sing “Eitz Chaim” and say Tanchum Portnoy’s name.