“Rabbi Plancey touched so many lives through his kindness and commitment to helping others…Our thoughts are with Rebbetzin Miriam and the family during this difficult time.”
The synagogue, which is one of the largest in the country, has set up an online book of condolence, where people have been invited to share their “memories and thoughts”. The messages will be shared with Rabbi Plancey’s wife and family.
Josh Moont, BES chair, wrote in a letter to members: “When my family and I joined this community over 20 years ago, Rabbi Plancey and Rebbetzin Miriam were there to welcome us, just as they did for so many families over the years. That's how they built the community we know today – one family at a time…
"When I became chair, I spent time with him hearing stories about the years of quiet work he and the Rebbetzin had done – and continued to do right up until recently, calling and supporting members – opening their home, helping families, the sort of chesed (kindness) that often goes unnoticed but makes all the difference.”
Moont added that the congregation owed Rabbi Plancey “a great deal", saying: “The community he helped build is his legacy, and he'll be very much missed.”
Giving a moving eulogy at Rabbi Plancey’s funeral, BES senior rabbi, Alex Chapper described him as not “just a rabbi”, but “a builder – the builder of this community”.
While Moses had “led the Jewish people for 40 years through the wilderness to the Promised Land”, Rabbi Plancey had led the Boreahamwood and Elstree community “from a relative untapped desert. He built it, with love, dedication and commitment...He built the shul not just in bricks and mortar, but a kehillah - a community with humour, warmth and relationships.”
"As we mourn, we also recommit: to honour Rabbi Plancey’s legacy by living what he lived for - Torah, community and kindness.”
Rabbi Plancey had sat on Hertsmere borough council since 2015 as a Conservative councillor, representing the residents of Borehamwood Brookmeadow.
He had also been a Borehamwood county councillor from 2009 to 2021, being made an honorary alderman of the county on his retirement.
Rabbi Plancey was a staunch advocate of interfaith work, holding the interfaith relations portfolio in Chief Rabbi Sacks’ cabinet, and was actively involved in the campaign for Soviet Jewry.
Other roles included being chaplain to both the police force and Luton Airport.
In a statement, the United Synagogue said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Rabbi Alan Plancey MBE, the former Rabbi of Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue (BES) who served the community for more than 40 years.
“Rabbi and Rebbetzen Plancey built up BES from a modest community to the thriving, large kehillah we are blessed with today.
“We wish long life to his wife, Rebbetzen Miriam, his children Susy, Nechama, Meir and Nussi, his sister Phyllis and the whole family… May his memory be a blessing.”
Among his charitable endeavours, Rabbi Plancey had served on Norwood’s advisory council for many years.
Chief executive Naomi Dickson said: “Norwood’s Presidents, Honorary Officers, Trustees and staff regret the passing of our former advisory council member Rabbi Alan Plancey Z"L. The Norwood family will forever be grateful for his wise council and support, which drew on his decades of experience in children and family services and the Jewish community in North London and Hertfordshire. Our sympathies go to Rebbetzen Miriam and his family. May his memory be for a blessing.”
Rabbi Plancey also supported the work of Camp Simcha, the charity co-founded by his son Meir, which now supports over 1,400 family members dealing with serious childhood illnesses.
Rabbi Alan Plancey with his son, Meir, and daughter-in-law, Rachely, founders of Camp Simcha (Photo: Camp Simcha)[Missing Credit]
The charity’s CEO, Daniel Gillis, said: “The whole Camp Simcha family is deeply saddened by the loss of our honorary patron, Rabbi Alan Plancey MBE Z"L.
“Since the charity was founded 30 years ago by his son and daughter-in-law Meir and Rachely Plancey, Rabbi Plancey has been a champion, a guide and an inspiration – as well as a regular presence for all of us and he will be very much missed by everyone at Camp Simcha.
“He wore Camp Simcha on his sleeve, introducing us to key people who set the fundamental foundations for the charity and ensured we could become what we are today...His amazing legacy will live on through all that he was instrumental in creating.”
Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO of Jewish Care, where Rabbi Plancey had been a vice president, said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rabbi Plancey z’l, a cherished and longstanding part of the Jewish Care family. As a vice president of our organisation and a devoted volunteer, Rabbi Plancey formed close relationships with many Jewish Care residents and staff over the years.
Rabbi Plancey had written the annotation and painted the Hebrew letters in the mural at the entrance to Jewish Care’s Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Campus in Golders Green – “a symbol of connection to Jewish heritage, and of his enduring commitment to our community”, said Carmel-Brown, adding: “His wisdom and gentle smile touched countless lives. May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy continue to inspire all of us at Jewish Care."
To access the book of condolence, please click here
