Friends, as I mentioned earlier, as it’s Shabbos, we’re precluded from giving hespedim – eulogies, but I felt that it’s right and proper that we come together, to pay tribute to Moreinu v’Rabbeinu Harav Rabbi Plancey z’l.
In a letter of condolence that I sent to Rebbetzen Miriam Plancey, I wrote on behalf of the Rabbinic Team, Honorary Officers and the whole community:
For over four decades, Rabbi Plancey served Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue with incredible dedication, commitment and love and his service in the wider community created an enduring Kiddush Hashem.
With his Rebbetzen at his side, he built this community and touched the lives of countless people who will remember him for his warmth, compassion and understanding.
We can’t imagine how painful his passing must be for his dear family, but we share that loss with them and hope they gain some strength and comfort in that knowledge.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
Despite the profound sense loss, it’s been incredible to see the phenomenal outpouring of love and affection that so many people have for Rabbi Plancey.
Just from speaking to people, reading the beautiful messages in the Book of Condolence and on social media, it’s obvious that the Rabbi made a profound impact on the lives of countless people.
So today, we speak with hearts that are full, and yet aching.
We gather not only to remember Rabbi Plancey, but to begin processing what it means for our community, for Borehamwood, to move forward without him physically present, yet still deeply with us.
There’s a powerful Rashi on parshas Vayetzei.
When Yakov leaves Be’er Sheva, the Torah says “and he went to Charan.”
But Rashi points out the obvious: If Yakov left, of course he went somewhere. So why mention it?
Rashi explains: “When a tzaddik leaves a place, the splendour, the honour, and the beauty depart with him.”
You feel it. The place just isn’t the same.
And we feel that this week.
The seat is empty. The house is quiet and there’s a kind of communal “Where’s Rabbi Plancey?” hanging in the air.
But Rashi’s also telling us something deeper.
He’s telling us not just that a tzaddik takes something with him when he leaves but that he also leaves something behind.
His presence made a difference, and so his absence is felt.
Rabbi Plancey made a huge difference, he transformed this area, he built this community, he was an ever presence in the lives of so many, he was a dear friend, guide, teacher, confidante, counsellor and Councillor, Alderman and so much more!
Of course, his absence is felt.
And yet, Judaism teaches something comforting and even more profound.
The neshama – soul doesn’t disappear, it never fully leaves.
The essence of who a person truly is, lives on, it remains.
It says in Kohelet: “And the spirit returns to G-d who gave it.”
But part of that spirit – the part that touched us – remains in this world.
We carry it.
In our memories. In our stories. In the love. In the way we welcome people. In the way we teach our children about Judaism, not just what to do, but how to care.
So many of you have shared memories of Rabbi Plancey this week:
Playing the bagpipes.
Taking a glass out of his cabinet to use under the chuppah.
Mifkad outside his house after the succah crawl.
Miriam looking everywhere for him at a wedding and finding him dressed up as the 4th Teletubbie!
Sharing a simcha with him in Israel and when the coach got lost, him singing – yama, bkedma, tsefona vnegba.
Legendary Shabbat + Yom Tov meals at his house accompanied by great warmth and fun.
Weekly catch-ups in Tesco.
His love of pastoral care.
Making it his business to work for the betterment of the vulnerable through Norwood and Jewish Care – he was an honorary spiritual care advisor for both organisations.
Naturally advocating for the serious application of Halacha and Torah learning and at the same time be a fountain of kindness to others.
His unwavering commitment to building bridges between faith communities. His efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue and bringing people of different backgrounds together.
Using his ingenuity, creativity, warmth, chutzpah and a motorbike without which a chuppah would never have taken place.
Someone I asked summed it by saying “Too many memories!”
Another said, “Rabbi Alan Plancey z’l – quite simply a legend!”
There’s so much more that can be said and will be said.
Because it wasn’t just what he did, it was who he was.
And who he still is, in all of us.
Because that’s what a real neshama does.
It doesn’t vanish. It becomes part of the people it loved.
So yes, there’s a void. A huge void, but there’s also an inheritance – everything he gave us.
And we thank not only him for it all, but we also thank G-d for him – for bringing him into our lives, enabling him to enrich our lives and allowing him to enter our hearts.
We will always cherish that inheritance and that’s why today, as we pay tribute to Rabbi Plancey, we’re proud to launch a new project in his memory:
“Chapters in Torah”
A learning initiative for all ages and stages in our community.
Because if there’s one thing Rabbi Plancey stood for, it was the idea that every Jew can learn Torah, connect to Hashem, and grow – at their own level, in their own way.
Every chapter we learn will be a continuation of the chapters he wrote in our lives.
Yehi zichro Baruch – may his memory be a blessing.
And more than that – may his memory be a motivation.
May his memory be for a blessing and may you and your family only know simchas and good health in the future.