We invite you to share your memories, thoughts and condolences for Rabbi Alan Plancey MBE, who passed away on Sunday 8 June 2025, 12 Sivan 5785 and Rebbetzin Miriam Plancey, who passed away on Friday 13 June 2025, 17 Sivan 5785.
Rabbi and Rebbetzin touched the lives of so many through their kindness and commitment to helping others. Please use this online book of condolences to share your memories and thoughts of them both.
Your messages will be shared with the family and will be a source of comfort to them during this extremely difficult time.
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379 Comments.
Since Miriam and Rabbi Plancey moved into our road with their children nearly 50 years ago, they were a big part of our family. They rescued us one Pesach when David’s over-zealous foiling of the hob caused a fire. Miriam finished frying my fish and invited us to Seder then and in many other years. Our children would be regular Shabbat visitors in their home.
We were so appreciative of Rabbi Plancey coming down to say the Shema with us in David’s final hours.
He and Miriam complemented each other perfectly and between them built a vibrant, thriving community. They will be so very much missed.
I don’t even know where to start but the Rabbi and Miriam have been part of my life since the day I moved to Borehamwood and he saw me unpacking boxes to take into my flat in Ashdown Drive. An invitation to dinner followed, and over the last 38 years, the Rabbi and Miriam became an integral part of mine and Jonathan’s life.
From our engagement, officiating at our wedding in Singer’s Hill Synagogue in Birmingham, the birth of our two daughters, two Batmitzvahs, a wedding and right up to just a few short months ago when our granddaughter arrived; her first outing in the pushchair in Anthony Road was to meet Miriam and Alan. We would never have imagined an occasion which they wouldn’t have been part of. Only a few weeks ago, the Rabbi insisted that he would speak at my father’s stone setting. His memories of my Dad made me so happy in that last phone call, but sadly that wasn’t to be.
Working together in the early years at Hertsmere JPS it felt like we were part of something really special. The Shul Board followed and then there were the regular Ladies Committee Meetings around their dining table, always laden with sweet treats, where the Rabbi would give us a drasha when he came in from one of his many meetings.
The phone calls with Miriam on my way to work, bumping in to Alan in Tesco, stopping for a chat in the street as he drove past our house; So many memories of this wonderful couple, who at some point, and I’m not sure when, went from being Rabbi and Rebbetzin to our beloved friends.
They will both be sorely missed by so many and Anthony Road will never be the same without them at the top of the road.
Wishing ‘Long Life’ to Susy, Nechama, Meir and Nussi and the entire family.
Dear Plancey Family
I’m extremely saddened at the passing of Rabbi Alan and Rebbetzin Miriam and have fond memories of them both.
Rabbi Alan introduced me to the security of the 2 nurseries at Croxdale Road Gilah and Kol Rinah and then he recruited me in 1994 to join The first JNF Walk for Water which I successfully completed.
Some years later when I became vice – chairman for Jewish Scouts in GB I got my own back on Rabbi Alan when I managed to talk him into becoming Chaplain for Jewish Scouts GB. I’m not sure whether he enjoyed putting on his Scout uniform for the annual Uniform Shabbat but he did it with a smile.
I would like to wish the entire family a very long and happy life
It is with such sadness that we heard of the passing of dear Miriam Plancey a true rebbetsen with her warmth and hospitality and caring nature. They were a wonderful couple together and complimented each other. We enjoyed many happy times together and they are both remembered with such fondness.
The Borehamwood community was certainly created by them.
We are in Israel and send our sincere condolences to Susie, Nechama Meir and Nussi.
David and I, together with our daughters, were so very sad to hear of the passing of both Rabbi Alan z’l and Miriam Plancey.
Together they welcomed us into their home and community and celebrated with us the good times and supported us during the sad ones too.
Or thoughts at this difficult time are with their family and we wish them chaim aruchim and a future free from further sorrow.
Dear Suzy, Nechama, Meir and Nussy
I was extremely saddened to hear of the petira of your dear Mother z”l so soon after the petira of your dear Father.
Rebbetzin Miriam was a truly wonderful lady. When I moved to Borehamwood, friends told me.that I would get invited to your dear Parents for a Friday night meal and one of the finest things was your Mother’s cooking. Your Mother called me up shortly after and invited me. Friday night at Rabbi and Rebbetzin Plancey was wonderful, delicious food and inspiring dvar Torah from your dear Father. It was always wonderful to speak to your Mother after Shul. There was a North London connection as my Father’s Family z”l davened in the Adath.
I had not seen your Mother z”l as moved to Manchester until 2 year’s ago at a wedding, she was so happy to see me again and we had a good catchup. My husband and I were honoured to sit with your Parents z”l at the wedding dinner and had a wonderful time speaking to them. My husband came away saying that he had heard so many wonderful things about your Parents and was delighted to have actually spoken to them for a time.
My husband and I wish you Arichat Yamim. May you be blessed to only know of Simchas.
Love
Chazan Yehuda & Melanie Marx
When I heard about Miriam’s death what came to mind was her caring, kindness and hospitality, and the idea there would be no Planceys at the top of Anthony Road makes me so sad and seems inconceivable. I remember all the times I was knocking on their door, in their home, Succah crawls ending outside their home, youth learning programmes, seder nights when I was small, Miriam teaching me when I was in Cheder in the Bat Mitzvah class. So many memories of them both in my life. Through happy and sad times, teaching me, caring about and for me- and all my family. The Rabbi and Miriam were truly a special couple. We are blessed to have known them. Blessed to have been cared for by them, and so lucky to grow up in Borehamwood when they were building the community, it truly was a special time x
I am very saddened at the passing of both Rabbi Alan Plancey and Miriam, and have very fond memories of Rabbi Plancey officiating at my son’s Pidyon Haben some 44 years ago – it was a very special occasion! I go back even further with Miriam, remembering her as representing our school, Avigdor Primary School, as Head Girl.
They will both be very sadly missed. Wishing all the family Long Life, Chayim Aruchim.
Alan and Miriam , yes my Rabbi , but much more importantly for me dear and special friends for nearly 40 Years , we shared good times and sad times but we shared and that was the importance of friendship , you were there when we needed you and sometimes when we didn’t but that’s what we loved , Nothing Compared to Shabbat Dinner with Miriam and Alan , we laughed we joked and we put the world to rights , My Special lasting memory which will be with me forever of my Dear Friend Rabbi Alan Plancey is when he officiated at my Daughter Chloe’s wedding to Joey in Los Angeles , You were so happy and proud to be there and we were so happy and proud you were and seeing you holding centre stage on Shabbat in the Synagogue in Beverly Hills the day before the wedding is a memory that will live long in mine and my families memories , we were truly blessed to have you as our Rabbi and blessed to have you and Miriam in our lives , Miriam and Alan you will forever be in mine and my families hearts x
We mourn the passing of a very special couple Rabbi Alan and Rebbetzin Miriam z”l . We were privileged to be friends for almost 50 years during which time we shared each others simchas and have very many fond memories. Their passing is a hugely sad loss to us and the whole community.
May their memory be a blessing.
We send our love to the family and wish them long life.
Dear Susy & Yan, Nechama & Nussi, Meir & Racheli, Nussi & Abi and all the family,
The day we moved into Borehamwood, before we even had time to unpack the kettle, Rabbi Plancey appeared on our doorstep to introduce himself and welcome us to the community. He gave us a framed copy of the tefillah we say after lighting Shabbos candles. We felt so welcomed and a week later we were already sitting round your parents’ Shabbos table. Little did we know then, how our friendship would grow. But grow, it did – Rabbi Plancey and Miriam had an amazing gift for having room in their hearts and their home for so many people and still managing to make everyone feel special.
When we were young marrieds, Rabbi Plancey started giving a weekly ladies’ shiur, helping us all grow. Richard fondly remembers of them walking together to Radlett on Rosh Hashana and the Rabbi encouraging him in his early days of being a ba’al tokea. Rabbi Plancey had asked Richard when we arrived in the community, if he led davening on Yom Tov or could blow shofar, and when learning that Richard did blow shofar, the Rabbi invited him to 98, heard him blow, went through the halachas, and said he could blow in Shul, just a month after we had married.
Fast forward to when Joel was born and Rabbi Plancey appeared in Intensive Care in Great Ormond Street to give us chizuk (and a bag of goodies from your mum)! He sorted out arrangements for us to receive kosher meals while Joel was there. From then on Rabbi and Miriam were both a constant support with Joel’s needs. Your mum used to prepare for him special bowls of vegetables once he grew older and was able to eat. Adina and Abi were not left out either. They used to love going to your home on Shabbos. There was always a treat for them there!
We will always remember the help they gave us with planning Joel’s Barmitzvah. You could hear a pin drop in Shul that week and Rabbi Plancey spoke to Joel so beautifully – he even ensured that Joel was provided with a chair to sit on during the drasha (Perhaps he thought Joel might run off if he was left standing there)! There are too many examples of your parents’ kindness and interest over the past 40 years to do justice to them here. A recent one is that during the last couple of years, after Joel had acquired a dog, the Rabbi always told us when he had seen Joel walking his dog in Borehamwood, how happy Joel looked when he was out, and how proud your father was of him.
Life will never be the same in Anthony Road. It was so special having your family just up the road. There were so many occasions when your mum provided us with Shabbos meals when we were going through challenging times. They would be brought down the road by your father, and we were always told we only needed to ask if there was anything else we needed. (There never was any need to ask for obvious reasons!
There are really no words to adequately express the void that has been left in our lives and our hearts. We can only hope that we expressed our appreciation and hakaras hatov enough to them over the years.
Dear Suzy, Nechama, Meir and Nussi
We are so sorry for your tremendous loss, especially coming so very soon after Rabbi Alan’s petirah. We cannot imagine what you are feeling or how you are managing, but we send our love and tefillot to you all.
Your mother was a truly remarkable and lovely person.
We knew Miriam and Alan z’l for well over 45 years and really valued our relationship with them. Quite simply they were always there, spreading their warmth and kindness, and shaping our Jewish lives for so many years.
Miriam’s calls were always wonderful, checking how we were and filling us in on the family and community news. We were blessed to have them in our lives.
May their memories be for a blessing.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
Angee and Barry Ries, with Gideon, Suzie, Annabel and families xx
We are very sorry to learn of the passing of Rabbi Alan and Miriam Plancey z”l and we send our sincerest condolences to the Plancey family. The phenomenal growth of BES was very significantly due to Rabbi Plancey. He was a Chevraman and knew almost all of the congregation and was friendly with many of them. To those outside the community the Shul was known as the Plancey Shul. He and I became great friends and when he came to the community for Shabbat before his induction he would stay with us. Miriam was a fantastic hostess and an amazing cook. Every Friday evening she would host members of the community for dinner. The will be sorely missed. Baruch Dayan HaEmet
It is with deep sadness that we write this message in memory of Rabbi Alan and Rebbetzin Miriam Plancey.
For nearly forty five years we have cherished their friendship and guidance. We shared their joys and they gave comfort in tough times. They consistently offered support and answered our questions.
May their memory be a blessing.
I knew the late Rabbi and his dear wife when he became Rabbi of Luton Synagogue where l was living at the time
He became chaplain to my late
uncle when he became Labour mayor of Luton so he may have got a liking for politics then. May they be remembered with much love.
My late husband and I moved into the community in 1971 – there were just a few of us, but then Rabbi Alan and Miriam Plancey arrived with their children, who were the same age as our children. We never looked back and grew to the thriving community it is today. There are too many happy memories to put into this condolence book, it would fill pages. It is with sadness that I have lost two very good friends who were a wonderful support to my family in good times and bad. They were always there for us and I will be forever grateful for their love and support. May they rest in eternal peace together.
Miriam and Rabbi Alan took up their position at BES in 1976 and served as the heart of our community for over three decades. As our Rabbinic couple and our good friends, they played an integral role in our lives. Our older sons grew up with Meir and Nussi. Rabbi Alan officiated at all three of our sons’ Bar Mitzvahs, as well as all their Weddings, which we will always cherish. Miriam and Rabbi Alan complemented each other and worked so well together. The growth and strength of the BES community was a result of their unwavering dedication, warmth, and leadership and they will be sorely missed.
I was one of the very first Barmitzvah’s that Rabbi Plancey officiated at Elstree & Borehamwood in 1978, along side Rabbi Unterman.
Rabbi Plancey has been an ever-present part of our lives since then, having married us in 1991, and officiated at both our girls Batmitzvah ceremonies.
It’s a great loss to the community. Wishing long life to all the family
My family and I have so many wonderful memories of the amazing man who we affectionately referred to as “Plancey”. He hosted a baby blessing ceremony in 1982 (not something I had heard of before). My daughter Hayley together with several other babies recently born were some of the very first babies to receive a special blessing from the great Rabbi himself. The wonderful Miriam Plancey always provided food for the new mothers, people who were unwell or sitting shiva, or who were just going through a bad patch. She always remembered what was going in and checked in. Their home was always open and I often popped in for a chat and a coffee.
Rabbi Plancey was involved with the Shul nursery where my children attended and would pop in and speak to the children – very special and wonderful that he found the time. He also visited the schools and spoke to inspire the children and the teachers (and any mummy helpers like myself).
He went on to allow a Sunday bat chayil (also a first) for my Hayley which then became as popular as the usual Shabbat ceremony.
The Plancey home was always open and I remember being included in ‘the young marrieds’ which was a social event including a meal where couples could get to know each other. Miriam should be applauded for this – She had a young family but still worked tirelessly along side her beloved husband to keep this event running smoothly. In fact everything Rabbi Plancey did, Miriam was always there often working away behind the scenes.
I remember walking to an EasyJet plane at Luton Airport when across the tarmac a man in a high viz jacket called out saying are you going to see your sister? Of course I was, and of course it was the good Rabbi wearing another “hat” as the airport Chaplin. He was always everywhere.
My youngest son remembers representing HJPS planting a tree on tu b,shvat at the Civic Centre with the Rabbi helping him fill in the hole- the picture made the local press. Jeremy also told me how amazing “Plancey” was when he needed a note for the Aliyah process- Well every single title that he had went on the letter head. One of those titles would have been more than enough but he always went over and above to help us. He also wrote a letter to help my eldest daughter get in to secondary school (HASMO) which was already full. She wan not the only child in the community who benefited from one of his special letters. These two very special people were superpowers and worked tirelessly day and night for the community making everyone feel like part of their family.
Rabbi Plancey did not escape any of his duties and knew exactly what to say to make relevant and warm remarks if called upon to speak – he was charismatic and engaging and made the words feel personal and heartfelt.
I remember he telephoned me to say he had just been to see my dad who was in hospital at the time, because he noticed my father’s name on the list. My father was not in his community or a member of the Shul but I was, and he made time without being asked. When my father passed away (some days later), in the early hours, Rabbi Plancey was at my door shortly after 6.30 AM to give support. He did numerous acts of help and kindness along with Miriam, for each of my children – each of these memories they will cherish. The thing is, that I am not alone – I am sure everybody who knew him will have similar stories of their generosity. I often would pop in unexpectedly and always received a warm welcome. He and Miriam would stop what they were doing and talk to me enquiring about my family etc. and we would catch up on the latest news. Miriam and I would speak on the phone very often and always supported me.
I was at their simchot and they were at mine – it would not be the same without the Plancey’s there. They were even at my son Oliver’s wedding and then the next day I was at their granddaughters wedding in Manchester.
We are blessed to have lots of memories and pictures as the Plancey family are an extension of my own.
Rabbi and Miriam Plancey left us with a legacy and built a thriving community. He was always available for the good as well as the tougher times and carried out his duties over and above what was required or expected. He was a unique larger than life driving force of a man with an unstoppable charismatic approach to his work and his life which were so entwined they actually become one purpose. He was so inspirational we actually produced several new rabbonim from the community who came from traditional United synagogue backgrounds.
He, together with his wife Miriam grew one of the largest communities in a few short years from a handful of couples. The Shul consisted of a couple of rows of cinema seats for the women which were placed behind a few rows of chairs for the men in a hall (before the Shul was built). There was even of pay phone on the wall!
There are now jewish schools in the area which are thriving. He was (a Jewish) Mayor twice. He was involved in the prison, the airport, he was a councillor and was active in bringing other faiths together. He was active in Jewish clubs and schools etc – Lets not forget he could also play the Bagpipes- Not many Rabbonim can do that!
Actually I could go on and on and on but I should really leave some space for other peoples memories. I will cherish all my memories of this formidable, unique and wonderful once in a lifetime couple. I will share these memories whenever I have the opportunity to help keep their special memory alive.
Thank you so much our dear friends. May your dear sweet souls rest in everlasting peace and may your memory be an eternal blessing.
Very sad to have to wish Suzie, Nechama, Meir, Nussy and the rest of the mourners Long Life, Chaim Aruchim. May you find the peace and comfort you need from the legacy they left behind and the memories you shared.
Philippa and family x
Rabbi Plancey will be sadly missed, I had many meaningful conversations with him.
Rebbetzen Plancey, Miriam I am going to miss our chats our evening phone calls when Alan was out. We talked about our kids, the community past and present. It was nearly 5 decades of friendship, Where no subject was out of bounds.
Miriam and Alan were a special part of my adult life their voices will always stay with me. “Long life” to Suzy Meir Nechama and Nussi
We were shocked to hear of the passing of first Alan and then Myriam so close together. We moved into the area in 1975 just before the Planceys so have known them for a long time.
In 1976 after the Kol Nidre service we walked in the rain with Alan back to his hotel, ensuring he didn’t get lost.
Other memories include visiting their home when Rabbi Sacks was visiting and many interactions when our local political activities coincided.
We send our deepest condolences and wish long life to all members of the family.
I send our sincerest condolences to the Plancey family on the sad passing of Rabbi Alan and Miriam Plancey z”l. I knew them both very well from the time they arrived in Elstree. In fact before his induction Rabbi Plancey came to officiate at the Synagogue and stayed with us on a number of Shabbatots. The phenomenal growth of the Elstree congregation was significantly due to Rabbi Plancey. He was a real chevraman and knew almost all the members of the congregation and was very friendly with many of them including me. Indeed people often called the Synagogue “Rabbi Plancey’s Shul”. Miriam was a fantastic hostess and had members of the community over on almost every Friday evening. Rabbi Plancey and I became close friends and in private I called him Alan so much so that when my eldest daughter Rebecca was married we invited Rabbi Plancey to come to Israel to officiate at the Chuppa. We also came back to England for the wedding of their eldest daughter Suzie who knew me as “Uncle Raymond”. We were somewhat concerned before there was a Synagogue in Radlett that people who lived there and wanted to come to pray had to drive to get to Croxdale Road. They did have a building they could use (I can’t remember where) so for a number of Shabbat mornings Rabbi Plancey and I used to walk together to Radlett to try to encourage the congregation there, but we realized after a few weeks that it didn’t help and that it needed someone dynamic in the Radlett community in order to get it started, which eventually happened.
Their contribution to the Borehamwood and Elstree Community is inestimable and they with both be surely missed. Baruch Dayan HaEmet.
With fondest memories
Raymond and Rahel Jayson
Rabbi Plancey, of blessed memory, was not only the rabbi who officiated my barmitzvah, but also married me to my wife of 25 years, Natalie. He was a righteous and learned man. So kind and understanding. He will be sorely missed. Wishing the Rebbetzin and his family a long life.
I was so sad to hear of the passing of Rabbi Plancey & then dear Miriam. The memories came flooding back this week, our four children were barmitzved, bat hailed, married
& taught by them, and our community is the better because of them.
They made us into family with their friendship &. Arid caring., and we all were the better for knowing them.
My deepest condolences & wishes for long life to their lovely family from myself & family, and may the good memories be a solice at this sad time and always.
In Memory of Rabbi Alan and Rebbetzen Miriam Plancey – זכרונם לברכה
Rabbi Alan Plancey was a tireless inspiration and a devoted servant to the Borehamwood community for many years. Personally, he was not just a rabbi to our family — together with Rebbetzen Miriam, they were true friends. They stood with us through life’s milestones, officiating at our שמחות and our sorrows — at births, britot, bar and bat mitzvot, and times of loss. How we would have loved for them to be with us at our future family weddings — our children had always presumed they would be there — but we know that their presence, their kindness, their wise words, and their influence will continue to accompany us in those moments.
Rabbi and Rebbetzen Plancey’s dedication to the Jewish community in Elstree, Borehamwood, and beyond was extraordinary. We knew them even before we moved to Borehamwood, and their impact was always evident. Their service extended far beyond the synagogue — Rabbi Plancey served as both a mayor and councillor in Hertfordshire and Hertsmere, working tirelessly for the wider community, always supported by Miriam in every way.
Together, they consistently put the community before themselves, dedicating their entire lives to building and nurturing what Borehamwood has now become — one of the foremost kehillot in British Jewry. Rabbi and Rebbetzen Plancey played a pivotal role in establishing and supporting the Jewish educational institutions that our own children have had the privilege to attend, giving them both a strong Jewish foundation and a springboard for their lives today.
No words can fully capture the depth of gratitude we owe them. Their legacy lives on — in our hearts, in our families, in our schools, and in the thriving community they helped to build.
We feel as if we have lost part of our family losing them both so close together, but we are all forever grateful for having known them and had them enrich our lives for so many years. Our hearts go out to their wonderful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
עליהם השלום.
זכרונם לברכה
It is so very sad that just a few days ago we left a message for Rabbi Plancey and now we are leaving one for his loving supportive wife Miriam.
What a special couple they were.
Miriam was so kind to us all and such a great influence on our children with their bar and batmitzvah’s.
We have so many lovely memories and laughter.
Our thoughts and prayers are with their lovely family who meant everything to them. Wishing you all long life.
To Suzy, Nechama, Meir and Nussi on the occasion of the passing of your dear father Rabbi Alan Plancey z’l.
We arrived in the Elstree & Borehamwood community in April 1971. it was an extremely small community (some say that there were less than 30 male members of all kinds)- a few years later Rabbi Unterman retired and a very young Rabbi Alan Plancey was appointed. At about this time, the community was so small that minyanim for Friday night Shabbat and weekday minor Yomtovim were based on a ‘rota system’ made up of committed orthodox and also some non-orthodox members, the latter being a crucial component of the rota. On one occasion, I was required to knock on the door of a local member living close to the shul to entreat him to make up a minyan which was one or two short. He came to the door wearing a bath towel around his waist, puzzled to know why he had been disturbed. I explained my mission. To the best of my recollection, he appeared in shul a few minutes later and made up the minyan. I only mention this to give some illustration of the type of community that confronted Alan when he started, of which many even longstanding members may be unaware.
Alan made an almost immediate positive impact on the development of our community. In a relatively short period of time, it grew and grew to a quite unexpected degree, and, over a period of about 4 decades or so, into what it is today, the largest Orthodox community in the UK, despite the many other orthodox shuls that have sprung up in the area since then. I say no more about this factor because it is already so beautifully and comprehensively expressed in the Hesped of our present Rabbi Chapper, which all of you will have heard or read. There may be various reasons for this, but it is incontrovertible that Alan was the very paramount reason, by far, for such growth and such development, and that is his enduring Legacy to his family and to us.
The quite astonishing number of Condolence comments (so far, well over 250 for Alan alone and still counting) from appreciative members, across a broad field, must surely be unprecedented for any Orthodox communal Rabbi.
For me, amongst many vivid memories of his Rabbinic ‘contribution’ to this community, were 1) his immense ‘accessibility’ to each and every one of his community, both before and after this ‘internet’ age (despite other personal and other ‘commitments’ and the steadily increasing size of his community) – his phone number was invariably ‘available’, one way or another, in emergency or otherwise, in stark contrast to some other ‘communal’ Rabbis who sometimes appear to take careful steps to make themselves be ‘incommunicado’ – in this quality, he was, in comparison, quite unique, when I think of some of the Rabbis I have known; and 2) seeing him come to a communal function wearing a kilt (is my recollection correct ?) and playing the bagpipes, which illustrated the outstanding warmth of his personality.
We wish each of Alan’s family (all of whom are manifestly such a great credit to him and Miriam) chaim aruchim and a future free from further sorrow.
Hamakom Yenacheim Etchem B’Toch Shear Aveilei Tzion V’Yerushalayim. My Heart goes out to the children and their families, losing a parent is always difficult, losing 2 parents in the same week is the most difficult loss. Only Hashem can be the Menacheim.
May we be Zocheh to the coming of Moshiach in these trying times. Amen
What an unspeakable tragedy.The only consolation to the Plancey family is that two such wonderful Neshomas should be together again.
Thanking you both in Shamayim for all the kindness that you showed my parents in Northwood.