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.
Our family together with the Joely Bear community were saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend and most loyal and vocal supporter Rabbi Alan Plancey.
We first met Alan on the morning we lost our dear Joel when he arrived unannounced and just spent time with us offering, in his inimitable style, his wonderful words of comfort. He knew we were not members of his synagogue, but that mattered not one bit to him. In 30+ years he never made any issue of that and was a great friend and support not only to Joely Bear but also to us as a family.
Alan was instrumental in the success of the Joely Bear Blood Days, insisting that we host them at his synagogue, encouraging the donation of bread for post donation sandwiches, and together with his wife Miriam, enlisting a team of volunteers to make fresh tuna, egg, jam and other fillers – all without cost to Joely Bear.
After his retirement from Borehamwood Synagogue, he still made a point of ensuring he attended every Joely Bear event, if only for a few moments between other commitments, but he always had time to chat with blood donors, NHSBT staff and volunteers.
He is best summed up by a tribute from councilor Graeme Alexander that he always found the right words for the occasion.
He was truly one in a million and we are all that much poorer at his passing. We wish long life to Miriam, Meir and all the family.
Rabbi Plancey z’l had a tremendous impact on my life. In helping me prepare for the ‘step up’ from Sinai to Hasmonean, he set aside time every week to learn Gemara with me and took me through the basics of Judaism’s advanced texts. I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but I am sure he had a dozen far more important things to do, yet he gave of his precious time to help me. I remember the joy he showed when I told him years later than I had received Rabbinic ordination and would be moving back to London to work with the community. “Never forgot your roots”, he said, “when they ask – tell them you’re a Borehamwood boy.”
And so it was. I have never forgotten my roots. Despite moving to Edgware as a teenager, I still call myself a ‘Borehamwood boy’ which, to my mind, is synonymous with ‘one of Rabbi Plancey’s boys’. Because that’s who he was to us. He didn’t just build a community. He achieved the far harder and more complex task of building families and individuals.
May his memory be a source of blessing.
We joined Borehamwood & Elstree Shul in 1974. Alan became a friend and confidant and we enjoyed many years of a close association with him. He helped us through some traumatic periods we endured and his warmth, understanding and compassion were immeasurable. Our deepest condolences to Miriam and the entire family. Alan will be sadly missed
Having represented the ward of Borehamwood Brookmeadow together with Rabbi Plancey, whenever we would walk the streets together, it was clear who the real star was. Everyone knew him and he was loved by the entire community. Everyone seemed to have a story about him – he was of course an important figure in many people’s major life events! He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
Although I had heard much about our local Rabbi since moving to Borehamwood in 2012. I first met Alan at Synagogue (Kollel) when My wife and I had decided to return to Shul after many years of absence. After a few meetings I realised for many reasons and occurrences.. how very special he was. Me , My wife Vanessa and our older son Noah , will miss you and your tremendous Warmth. Such was his humbleness, He probably had no idea just how many lives he had touched in so many inspiring ways.
Wishing Miriam and the entire Plancey Clan a Long Life.
We are so very sad to hear about Rabbi Plancey’s passing. We have known Alan and Miriam since 1985 when we moved to Elstree. He has throughout that time always been a great friend and Rabbi. He was involved in all aspects of our communal life, a force of warmth, love and humour, in both happy and sad times.
He was always there for us. When we lost our parents, he was there. When our daughter had an accident in Spain as a child, Alan and Miriam were on the phone very single day to offer assurance and love. When our daughters had their bat-mitvahs, he was our guiding light.
We were never very regular shul-goers, but that didn’t matter – were very much part of his “flock” and he even got us both to join the BES board of management many years ago.
We will miss him tremendously – a stroll through Tesco or Shenley Road often meant running into Alan, and he always had time for a chat and a joke.
He was unique and will be so sorely missed by all who knew him
We moved to Borehamwood as a ‘newish’ married couple in early 1976 and when Rabbi and Rebbetzin Plancey arrived a few months later we had already experienced the warmth of a nascent Kehillah just waiting for the right Rabbi to lead its growth. It found such a person in Rabbi Alan Plancey and his wonderful wife Miriam who together nurtured the vibrant community that is Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue. We moved to the south coast in the 1980s but will always remember his and Miriam’s renowned hospitality, his friendly yet thought-provoking shiurim and, yes, even his playing of the bagpipes. Whenever we have met over the years at simchas it has always been a pleasure to bask in his warmth and good humour. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with Miriam, their four children and grandchildren.
I am deeply saddened to learn this news.
Alan and I were first elected to Hertfordshire together in June 2009. I always made a point of sitting with him and Caroline during our Group meetings and I looked forward to his company, and his wisdom and wit through those meetings. He was such a kind, funny and warm man and I will remember my 4 years at county council with him with such fond memories.
We moved to Elstree in 1982 when word was already spreading about Borehamwood Shul and its exceptional Rabbi.
We remember with great affection and respect how he guided the community as a whole, and each member as an individual person, through the highs and lows of everyday life. He shared Simchas with kind words and humour and comforted people with caring and considered words in difficult times. A truly special Rabbi. He will be greatly missed.
Wishing long life to Miriam and all the Plancey family.
From cheder, barmitzvah lesson to character witness he helped me throughout my life
A caring, much loved, humouous man and leader
He was always there when needed with a big smile
A tragic loss
We remember with such fondness Rabbi Plancey and Miriam arriving in Borehamwood and moving just round the corner from us. The community immediately began to grow through their devotion to everyone and became such a beacon in the Jewish world. We shared many smachot together and during hard times too Rabbi Plancey was there to help with his wise counsel.
He was an integral part of our children’s life and a good friend to our whole family.
We were proud to be members of his community
B”DE, We were privileged to know Rabbi Alan Plancey over the last 20 years plus both as a customer and from the unforgettable Pesach’s in the Normandy hotel of Bournemouth, he will be sourly missed and we wish his dear Rebetzen Miriam and family inc sons Meir & Nussy our deepest condolence’s
It was 29 years ago when I was sitting Shiva for my late mother in Newcastle upon Tyne that Rabbi Plancey walked in to visit my brother, who was a member of his community. At the time, I was quite astounded that a Rabbi would travel such a large distance. I remember saying I would love to be part of a community with a Rabbi like that. Shortly after that, we moved to Borehamwood and have never looked back.
Every time he saw us, he greeted us with the warm smile and a friendly word. He was so lovely with all the children and spoke with his usual flare at our Barmitzvahs. He created a community with a friendly provincial feel, which is rare to find so close to London.
We will always be grateful to him, for all he selflessly gave to us and the community.
We wish Miriam and all the family a long life.
Although Rabbi Plancey retired the year that we arrived in Borehamwood (2007) he continued to be a huge presence and inspiration in the community that he built and loved. I remember with appreciation and fondness the help, advice and support he gave the Yavneh schools, most notably in our originally failed attempt to create a Primary school in 2012. He fought for us at the Education and Planning committees, despite the opposition within the council. Finally, the school became a reality in 2015.
Hi legacy will be everlasting and may his Neshama be for a blessing.
Wishing long life to Miriam and all the family.
Daliah and I share so many happy and special memories of Rabbi Alan. We remember your warm hospitality on so many occasions, your wonderful and memorable semachot, your warm and sincere support to us at all times. I personally, as a longtime colleague of Alan , remember his steadfast friendship and alacrity to help , when needed. I was amazed at his continued and continuous work after his retirement , even becoming Mayor in Hertfordshire . He worked non stop, helped and comforted so many people and left a permanent mark in the hearts of us all. זצוק”ל . Dear Miriam – Look after yourself!! המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
My late husband and I moved to borehamwood in 1978. I had never been to such a friendly welcoming Shul before. After the birth of my late son in 1980 Rabbi Plancey and Miriam were always there for us. He hatched matched and dispatched all our family even flying out to Israel for Amy’s wedding and then Marrying Stuart and I. We will always remember him and we wish Miriam and all his family a long life
As a kid I thought it was normal for the shul rabbi to be such a presence in all aspects of life, for each member of the community. I have fond memories in the Plancey’s open home enjoying Shabbos meals, playing with his grandchildren, and enjoying snacks on the sukkah crawl.
As I got older I began to appreciate how unique it is to have the Rabbi who named me as a baby also address me at my Bat Mitzvah and go on to officiate at my wedding. Just as he was there for our simchas, he was there and walked with us at my grandparents levayas while telling us about the mitzvah of chesed shel emes.
Rabbi Plancey understood and met us where we were with his trademark warmth and charisma, and as a result we grew. He was able to advise us in matters of halacha while remaining down to earth, with a sense of fun and humor.
I am so thankful for all he did for us and feel truly blessed to have merited his constant presence in my life. It is hard to think that he will no longer be there to share and guide us in all life brings. Sending much love to Miriam and the family. Hamakom yinachem eschem bsoch shaar avlei tziyon v’yerushalayim.
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Rabbi Plancey. He had such a warm, inclusive way about him that made us feel instantly at ease—especially on our wedding day. Thanks to him, there was laughter and genuine joy under the chuppah, something we’ll always remember. He had a wonderful presence that touched so many people, and he will be truly missed. Our hearts go out to his wife and family and we wish them all long life. May his memory be a blessing.
Rabbi Plancey was literally the first person we met on the day we moved into our first home in Croxdale Road. He was walking past the house and stopped to welcome me and also inform me of the parking on Saturdays because of the Shul. About an hour later he was walking back home and saw me putting our mezuzah up on the front door. He stopped to have a good laugh and I think we never stopped for the next 28 years. He supported everything; our Shul Shows where we took the Mick out of him and Miriam…..he was in the front row every night! He was there when dad died, he was there for Ella’s batmitzvah, he was there when Jess had her operations, he was there when mum died. He was there. We will miss that Scottish burr, we will miss that slightly dodgy sense of humour. We will miss so much but we hold on to the wonderful memories he helped us make throughout our time living in Borehamwood.
Rabbi Plancey was the big man in the room. He lead from the front putting our community first building it brick by brick, family by family. He new our names, our childrens names and where we lived. He was with us in good times and not so good times. Rabbi and Miriam were always there for the Jewish and wider communities. Rabbi Plancey was the rabbi of my community and a colleague in local politics. His legacy is our community and the kiddush hashem that he spread around the borough helping residents from all backgrounds and faiths bettering their lives.
Rabbi Plancey was a mench and is a huge loss to the Jewish community, Hertsmere and our town. יהי זכרו ברוך
We were fortunate enough to live opposite Rabbi Plancey for over 6 years and he always made time for us, whether that was him and Miriam welcoming us in their home; pushing our parents car when it got stuck on his drive in the snow; finding us at the airport and getting us changed queues whilst simultaneously introducing us to the new head of a local Jewish primary school and so many more. Even after we moved, he came/officiated at the girls Simchat Bats and son’s Bris and would always chat at a function. He greeted us with warmth, a smile and a story.
We always joked with him about the number of things he was involved in but that just means how many organisations and people both in and out the community will now miss him and his commitment.
Wishing Rebbetzin Miriam and all the family long life.
Like for many others, Rabbi Plancey and Miriam considered our family as their family. The Rabbi and Miriam have been a major part of all of our life cycle events. Rabbi Plancey spoke at our wedding; and when we moved to the area in 1985, he and Miraim ensured that we were welcomed into the BES community. The Rabbi was instrumental in guiding us when our children came along and spoke at their respective Batmitzvah and Barmitzvah. He assisted and supported us when our children got married and was there at our grandson’s Brit. Nothing was ever too much for him and this was very much apparent when my Mum and Dad passed away. We were always welcome at No. 98 and spent many happy hours with our family around the Shabbat table and over the last 10 years, at the Friday night minyan. We will miss his love, compassion, wit and unique insight. We wish Miriam, Suzy, Nechama, Meir, Nussi and Phyliss and all their families arichat yamim. A light has gone out for us all and Rabbi P will be sorely missed.
Having read the words of Rabbi Chapper there is very little to add about this wonderful man. We have known Alan and Miriam since they came to lead our then small community.
Rabbi Plancey barmitzvahed our son, married both our children and officiated at the burial of both my parents. He was part of every simcha and sorrow in our family and his words of wisdom and comfort will always be appreciated.
I wish Miriam, Susy, Nechama, Meir and Nussy and their families long, healthy, peaceful lives and again thank him for his humour, words or wisdom, kindness and support.
May his memory be a blessing – he will never be forgotten.
I knew Alan through my work supporting county councillors at Hertfordshire County Council.
He was a wonderful man to work with. His distinctive Glaswegian accent was instantly recognisable and I always looked forward to his visits to County Hall or phone calls, which continued even after he left the council. He had such a positive, helpful and delightful personality that lit up the room. We all missed him when he stood down from the Council and will miss him even more.
I feel privileged to have known him.
Judy and I moved into Borehamwood in 1975 as newly marrieds, an area which was a quiet backwater with a part time Rabbi (the late R Unterman.)The shul only had Shabbat services both on a Friday night(often with just a bare minion and at 7.30 pm through the year)and on Shabbat morning. At that time there were no shops that sold kosher food, so we had to go to Edgware or Golders Green.
In 1976 Rabbi & Rebbetzin Plancey were appointed to lead this” small “Jewish community and within a short period of time transformed this Jewish backwater into the vibrant community it is today. Here was a Rabbinical couple who showed such love and commitment to everyone they came into contact with, opening their home to everyone who they came across and bringing their special brand of Yiddishkeit. They led by example and built up this kehilla to what it is today.
Our family and others were so involved with building up the community together with the Plancey’s who were instrumental in Borehamwood’s Jewish development and we all owe them a great debt of gratitude .
Rabbi and Rebbetzin Plancey were really our extended family and a truly wonderful friendship developed over so many years.
Our Rabbi will be sorely missed by Judy and myself, but we have the consolation of knowing and seeing his work which made this “small” community what it is today.
We wish long life to Miriam and all the Plancey family.
I was truly saddened to hear of the passing of Rabbi Plancey. He was such a lovely man with a big heart. He will be truly missed. My thoughts are with his wife and family.
BDE
We were very saddened to hear of Rabbi Plancey’s passing.
When we moved to Borehamwood in 1979 he and Miriam were the power house of the young and growing community. It would not be what it is today without his vision.
His warmth, humour, chesed, support and mesires nefesh were exceptional.
We wish Miriam and the family good health and long life..
When we joined the community in 1981 when we moved to the area, we quickly realised that we had a special Rabbi in Alan Plancey. He became a friend, officiated at simchas for the family and was so kind and helpful when it came to the loss of our loved ones, the last of which was my mother during Pesach 2022.
A lovely man who could always bring a smile to your face.
Wishing Miriam and all the family ‘Long Life’.
I remembered Alan (we called him Alan) accompanying us to Israel with some of the Elstree and Borehamwood
Community. My husband, Raoul Mitchell,also liked to tell jokes and so did Alan. If it was a good joke they would back once.but if it was a very good joke they would step back twice,
My condolences to Miriam and all the Plancey.
Love Gloria Mitchell.
On moving into Borehamwood in 1984 as a newly married couple my late wife (Helen A”H) and I were struck by the warmth of Rabbi and Rebbetzen Plancey. The “friendship” endured through the good and bad times even after we moved away in 2002. He was always there for us (as he did for many others). He had an immense positive influence on our family. He will be missed. Wishing long life to Miriam, Susie, Nechama, Meir, and Nussi.