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Obituary for Rabbi Hershel Everett Portnoy
Rabbi Hershel Portnoy of Little Neck, formerly of Larchmont, NY, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, after a long illness on July 22, 2017. Rabbi Portnoy had dedicated his life to his family, his faith, and to the service of others. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shirley, his children Leah Portnoy Worenklein (and David), Aryeh Portnoy (and Alison), and Ori Portnoy (and Naomi); his dear grandchildren Eliana, Max, Brandon, Tyler, Lila, and Nava; and his sister, Elizabeth Klein (and Howard).
Rabbi Portnoy was born in Providence, Rhode Island and attended Classical High School before moving to New York and earning degrees from Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he was ordained as Rabbi. He served as the pulpit Rabbi and spiritual leader in numerous communities over the course of more than 35 years, with his longest tenure as the respected and beloved leader of Beth Emeth Synagogue in Larchmont, NY from 1973-2000.
Rabbi Portnoy also devoted his life to the service of his country and local communities. He proudly served as a Chaplain Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, and was a decorated veteran in Operation Desert Storm. He also served as a psychotherapist and as a volunteer Chaplain in the Larchmont and Central Islip Fire Departments.
Rabbi Portnoy lived his life with respect, dignity, humor, and compassion for others. He was loved by all and will be sorely missed.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 24 at 10:30 AM in the Sulam Yaakov building (formerly Beth Emeth Synagogue) at 2111 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY 10538.
To make a contribution in Rabbi Portnoy’s honor, please consider supporting the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at the following link: https://www.theaftd.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/electronically
