Tanchum Portnoy, composer of 'Eitz Chaim' melody, dies
Lawrence resident wrote the beloved tune at 22; burial was in Beit Shemesh, with shiva in Lawrence and New Milford.
Tanchum Gershon Portnoy, the Lawrence resident who composed the familiar Eitz Chaim melody sung when the Torah is returned to the Aron Kodesh, has died. 5 Towns Central reported that the levaya took place Tuesday, September 15, at Eretz HaChaim Cemetery in Beit Shemesh, Israel, and that the family was arriving on El Al flight 02. Born in Brooklyn on July 22, 1951, Portnoy was a longtime Lawrence resident.
Portnoy wrote the melody at age 22. It was later popularized by leading chazzanim and musicians, including his friend Shlomo Carlebach. The original 1975 recording, from the album 'Tanchumim,' was sung by Avraham Yanon (Rabbi Alvin Wainhaus) and arranged by Yisroel Lamm. He is survived by his wife Sara; children Eli, Amichai, Ilan and Gali; and their families.
Shiva will be observed Thursday, September 17, at 1118 Warren Street in New Milford, with Selichos and Shacharis at 7:15 a.m. and Mincha/Mariv at 6:45 p.m. Visits are not requested between 12 and 1 p.m., 5 and 6 p.m., or after 10 p.m. On Wednesday, Friday, Motzei Shabbat and Sunday, shiva will be at 148 Sutton Place South in Lawrence, with Shacharis at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and Mincha/Mariv at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday. Shuls are encouraged to sing Eitz Chaim this Shabbos Shuvah, September 19, in his memory.