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.
Back in 1994 my late husband Colin Rosen was made redundant from his job after 20 years
He was devastated and applied for many jobs without any success
After about 18 months he was asked to give a talk to Rabbonim from the United Synagogue on how redundancy affected the Jewish community
Attending was Rabbi Plancey and he was in talks with Jewish Care to open a Centre to help people get back to work
He immediately approached Colin and asked him to get it started as a paid appointment
And so the Employment Resource Centre was born It gave Colin back his confidence and self esteem and we were both forever grateful to Rabbi Plancey for helping him to regain his pride
He will be so missed My love to Miriam and sincere condolences to his family
I met the Rabbi and Miriam over 40 years ago when the kindness and support both public and unspoken, supported the whole Lerner family at a time of great need 37 years ago. They were the reason Ben and I moved to the community 30 years ago when they welcomed us, as they did everyone, with love, open arms and endless food and hospitality. They were an integral part of our children’s births, smachot and their help and advice when Ben lost his parents was indispensable. Even when they were no longer officially the Rabbi and Rebbetzin of BES, their unstinting love, care and support continued for us, for your children and for my parents. They were truly exceptional in their dedication and committment- a Rabbi and Rebbetzin who gave of themselves wholeheartedly to everyone. We are devastated by the loss of this larger than life figure and we send all our love to Miriam, Suzi, Nechama, Meir, Nussi and Phyllis.
I have known Alan z”L for over 40 years We will never see his like again He knew my father well and spoke very fondly of him,
He was a minister in every sense of the word ,a true community Rav with total,humility and a deep,sense of caring for every single person in Borehamwood,Jew and non-Jew alike
He never failed to,make me laugh with his stories and little moshels
The world and the Borehamwood kehillah at large is a sadder place for his passing
Rabbi Plancey was the kindest, most generous Rabbi I’ve ever met. He always made time to chat and I loved his shirurim back when I was newly married. His melodious Scottish voice seemed to make everything right. He was always a Kiddush HaShem. May his memory be a blessing and wishing Chayim Aruchim to Miriam and all the family.
When we moved to Borehamwood in 2000, we were greeted not just by a new home, but by a remarkable man who embodied warmth, kindness, and community spirit. Rabbi Plancey was waiting at our house when we arrived—he had found out from the local estate agents that we were moving in. That simple act of welcome spoke volumes about the kind of person he was: proactive, thoughtful, and deeply devoted to his community.
From the very beginning, he made us feel like we belonged. He encouraged me to grow in my learning, inspiring me to take on new challenges. When I arrived, I knew six sidrot. Thanks to his encouragement and support, that number has grown to thirty-five.
Rabbi Plancey had a way of making everyone feel seen. He loved being part of the shul’s life—not just from the bimah, but in the everyday moments. He would chat with us in ‘speakers corner’ and loved to know what was going on.
He had a kind face, a warm smile, and a heart full of care for every member of the community. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, including ours. We are forever grateful for the warmth, wisdom, and encouragement he gave us.
Wishing Rebbetzin Miriam and the whole family a long life.
JJ & Yael
To be able to write down a few words is indeed an honour. To the father of Borehamwood community who took on the role as Patriarch together with Miriam who was always by his side as our Matriarch. He accepted you for who you were and never in either of their presence did you have to pretend to be something you weren’t. Non judgmental, kind, numerous and always ready for a banter, you will be sorely missed. You have left an incredible legacy that your family is so proud of. Rest in eternal peace. Wishing long life to the family.
Rabbi Plancey was the very first person who welcomed me & my husband when we arrived in Herts from London with our young son.
He and Rebbetzen Miriam made us most welcome in their home for Shabbat dinners.
We have very fond memories of laughter, joy and Judaism, awash at times with whiskey!
Rabbi Plancey would always stop for a chat, whether it was bumping into him in the street or in Tesco! He always had time.
May his dear soul rest in eternal
Peace,
We wish Miriam and all the family Long Life.
Frankie and I wish to express out deepest condolences. When we had recently joined the shul, as newly weds, after which R Plancey was appointed. What a breath of fresh air to the Shabbat services.
He was there for out simcha’s: the not so good times, giving us well considered advice.
I used to sit next to him at the Limmud service, when he would keep me amused with his homilies’.
There will never be another!!!
Thank you for opening your door for me about 21 years ago and never let me go! It was a privilege to work for such a wonderful couple! I will always cherish and respect you!
Rabbi Plancey was the Father of the Borehamwood and Elstree community and we had the privilege of being cared for by him like with a father in difficult times, when he moved mountains to help us, and rejoicing and celebrating with him at our Smachot.
He provided personal words of wisdom and guidance which we’ve never forgotten and will always remember for the future.
Our deepest condolences to Miriam who was always at his side as the Mother of the community which we were part of from 1982 until 2021
Wishing Long Life to Miriam, Suzy, Nechama, Meir, Nussi and Phyllis
From, Sorelle and Richard Kafton
We have such special memories of your time at BES. It was Rabbi Plancey and Miriam who welcomed us in to the fold and into their home.
Rabbi Plancey who named our daughter and blessed her at her Batmitzvah.
Always a smile and I enjoyed working with you over the years. Your words were always inspiring and it is true what they said – a light has gone.
A true Mensch- larger than life. You will be sorely missed. BDE – may your memory be for a blessing. Wishing Miriam, your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and all who mourn comfort.
We were so sorry to hear of Rabbi Planceys passing. He was the kindest understanding person and looked at life outside the box. We will miss him very much and send our deepest condolences to Miriam and the family
Miriam and Rabbi Plancey were larger than life individuals who devoted themselves to BES and made the community what it is today showering love and support on everyone. we will never forget their kindness towards the Lerner family 37 years ago on the birth of the quins. Sending all our love to the whole family at this very sad time.
I had the pleasure of meeting Rabbi Plancey nearly 20 years ago when I met him while working for the Police in Hertsmere .
Over the next 10 years I had the pleasure of meeting him many times , he always had time for me and I always loved our chats .
Over the last few years I have seen Rabbi Plancey at the hospital where I work and he always stopped and talk to me
I am not a religious person but have always referred to Rabbi Plancey as my ” Rabbi ” .
An amazing and kind man who I will sorely miss .
Rest In Peace
Alan will always be remembered as a family friend, a professional colleague (as a trustee at JNF), and as a warm and caring person. We will always remember the warmth and kindness which he showed when he married Sandra and myself some 26 years ago. He was devoted to his family of whom he was so proud. He gave of himself to not only the Jewish community but the wider one also. He will be sorely missed. May his memory be for a blessing.
We met over 35 years ago and became friends,You attended many good and sad times within our family and supported us as i know you and Miriam have done for so many others.Will miss you my friend as now i sit here thinking of some of the funny after dinner speeches you have made.A Light has just gone out.
We are all so sorry to hear of Rabbi Plancey passing. Sending our sincere condolences to Rebbetzin Miriam & all the family, wishing you all ‘long life & no further sorrows.’ We have so many happy memories being with Rabbi and he was always there for us especially during Elliott’s barmitzvah, making an impromptu speech wearing Elliott’s wrestling belt! Remembering all the happy times. Thinking of U all at this very sad time. Ira, Ashley & Elliott Kaye
We are all so sorry to hear of Rabbi Plancey passing. Sending our sincere condolences to Rebbetzin Miriam & all the family, wishing you all ‘long life & no further sorrows.’ We have so many happy memories being with Rabbi and he was always there for us especially during Elliott’s barmitzvah, making an impromptu speech wearing Elliott’s wrestling belt! Remembering all the happy times. Thinking of U all at this very sad time. Ira, Ashley & Elliott Kaye
A kind and considerate man who brought humour as well as enlightenment to all who knew him.
Our condolences to all the family.
May his dear sole rest in peace.
Agasee & Starr family.
When I joined Gateshead Yeshiva some 64 years ago, I came about two weeks late due to having my tonsils removed. Who was there to greet me when I arrived? Yes, Rabbi Plancey, who insisted on carrying my heavy luggage up the road and making my bed.
Even after 64 years, I cannot forget his care and kindness. A true angel.
I wish all his family a very long life. He was kind by nature, but he was also a very thoughtful man, a true zadik.
Shloime Grunsfeld
So sad to hear about Rabbi Plancey , his beautiful kind words at our wedding I will never forget he made our day so special
You will be missed and never forgotten.
A man of and for the people and a rabbi to us all. We have known the Plancey’s since Alan joined the Borehamwood community 50 odd years ago. I last saw and spoke with him 4 weeks ago when we were both in the AAS unit at Barnet General waiting to be assessed. We chatted about ‘Old times’ and he told me that after all these years we are now the ‘has been’s’. I told him ‘no’, we are the ‘have been’s’ especially him, because of all that he had accomplished and contributed during his many years with us.
We wish ‘long life’ to Miriam, Susy, Nechama, Meir and Nussi. May his memory be a blessing and guide to us all. Shalom
Rabbi Plancey z’l was a wonderful Rabbi and great friend to my late father z’l.
The laughter could be heard around the house when they had their daily chats .
He was an exceptional person who dedicated himself to his community and the United synagogue . A great loss !!!
Wishing all the familiy Chaim aruchim and a lot of strength may his memory be a blessing to all.
Dear Miriam, Suzy, Nechama, Meir, Nussi, and Phyllis,
We were so sad to hear the news of our dear Rabbi Alan. He was a fixture in our family life for over 37 years. His kindness in moments of joy, sadness, and challenges helped us all immeasurably. Borehamwood and Elstree Shul has grown into the vibrant community it is today because of Rabbi Alan and Miriam’s energy and dedication and we are proud to have made our home here. With love and gratitude always,
Erica and David Marks,
Benjy, Sasha, Eliana and Amber xxxxxxx
Rabbi Plancy z’l was a wonderful Rabbi and good friend to my late father z’l . The laughter would fill the house when they were chatting to each other on the phone !
A wonderful man who did so much for his community and for the United synagogue .. It is a great loss !!
Wishing all the family Chaim aruchim
May his memory be for a blessing to all.
Dearest Miriam,
We are so sorry for your loss and wish you a long life.
Your loss is deeply felt by us and by the entire community. Without you and Rabbi Plancey, this community wouldn’t be what it is today. He married us, bar and bat mitzvahed our children, and guided us through so many other milestones with warmth and wisdom.
His impact was immeasurable and so is the loss.
Baruch Dayan HaEmet..
Dear Miriam and family.
Rabbi Plancey was a huge influence on the lives of our family. We benefitted so much from his wisdom and kindness in happy and sad times. He was such a positive influence on our children who have wonderful memories of him.
Wishing you all a long life.
Simon, Suzanne, Natalia, Rafi and Ilan
I first met dear Rabbi Alan Plancy when our kids were at Kerem. He and my late husband were in a show together. He married my daughter at Borehamwoid shul and officiatef at my husbands funeral. We were cllrs together on Hertsmere and stayed friends. Alan was warm and supportive and loyal. A special Rabbi, friend and colleague. He will be so missed.
My family and I have wonderful memories of being a part of Rabbi Plancey’s flock. When my husband was diagnosed he was there for us all. Rabbi Plancey will be a huge loss but never forgotten
Dear Rebbetzin Miriam and Family
I used to attend Rabbi Plancey’s zt”l inspiring Shiurim he gave in Golders Green to everyone at Harel. I always came away learning something.
I recollect Rabbi Plancey zt”l and Rebbetzin Miriam welcoming me to Borehamwood Shul when I moved there. The first Shabbat, Rebbetzin Plancey came up to me at the Kiddush. We were speaking and she asked my maiden name. I said “Berenblut”. She told me that my Grandparents z”l were very close friends with her Parents.
Rabbi Plancey used to give the Borehamwood Ladies Shiur in my home. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to learn Torah from him again.
I contacted Rabbi Plancey one evening, as I had a problem. He told me to come to see him immediately so that he talk to me and he would do what he could to help me. The following morning after Shacharit he was contacting people to assist me.
My new husband and I were honoured to sit with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Plancey at a wedding and Sefer Torah dedication more recently. It was an absolute delight with his wit, wisdom and compassion.
Rabbi Plancey will be greatly missed. May his memory be a blessing.
Wishing you all Arichat Yamim.
We are thinking of you at this time and sending love.
Chazan Yehuda and Melanie Marx