Thank you, Chair, Cabinet members. It is an honour to be asked to say a few words about Cllr Rabbi Alan Plancey, of blessed memory, on behalf of Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue, where I am the Vice Chair.
Rabbi Plancey served our community with dedication and warmth for over four decades, touching countless lives through his kindness, wisdom and commitment to helping others. In fact, all these years later, many people who have since grown up and left Borehamwood still refer to Rabbi Plancey as ‘my Rabbi’, such was his impact. That was evident on Monday at his funeral, where people came from far and wide to pay their respects. As Rabbi Chapper said then, often Synagogues are known by the local area name or the street name, but in our case, it was known as Rabbi Plancey’s synagogue.
Whether you knew him through the Synagogue, his work in the wider Borehamwood community, or through the many acts of chesed (kindness) he quietly performed, everyone has a memory of how Rabbi Plancey touched their lives, enhanced their celebrations or was with them in their times of need, especially after the passing of a relative or friend.
I first met Rabbi Plancey over 20 years ago when I stepped into Borehamwood Synagogue in Croxdale Road (or Rabbi Plancey’s shul) for the first time. He approached me and my husband and welcomed us, noticing us straight away. Together with his wife Miriam, they hosted us for many meals and events in their home, and we quickly became a part of their extended local family.
Rabbi Plancey was a pioneer, an innovator, a leader and a man of great compassion and kindness. He knew how to talk to anyone, regardless of their position, religion or none. He took people on a journey. In 1976, when Rabbi & Rebbetzin Plancey were appointed to lead this “small” Jewish community in Hertfordshire, many people had never even heard of Borehamwood. So his journey of discovery began and within a short period of time he transformed this relatively unknown town and enabled the vibrant Jewish life we enjoy today.
First tasked with bringing 100 families to the area, never in his wildest dreams did he envisage the impact he could have from building Synagogues, schools, and with it bringing employment opportunities to the area, with many setting up not just their homes and starting families but opening their businesses locally too.
He took his civic responsibility very seriously, right here in this building, and was very effectively able to bring our community closer to Civic life and vice versa, improving local interfaith relationships as a direct result. This isn’t something we take for granted, especially at the moment.
We have created a condolences book to collect all our memories of Rabbi Plancey, and I would encourage you all to visit our website and add your thoughts, which will be shared with Rebbetzin Plancey.
We have lost a giant, but his legacy will live on in our flourishing local community. Everything we can enjoy today comes because of his relentless work and dedication, and we are eternally grateful. He has inspired us to continue his great work in his merit and in order to ensure a legacy that will remain for generations. May his memory be for a blessing.