Borehamwood shul honours Rabbi and Rebbetzen Plancey at tribute evening

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis led the tributes to Rabbi Alan Plancey and his wife Miriam at a moving event at the Hertfordshire synagogue the couple served for decades. 

The former two-time mayor of Hertsmere and Conservative councillor died last month at the age of 84, with his wife dying just a week later.

The ceremony at Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue last Monday marked the end of the initial thirty day mourning period and brought together family members, close friends, shul members and dignitaries including Hertfordshire mayor, councillor Alpha Bird Collins and Lord Stuart Polak.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Rabbi Mirvis spoke of Rabbi Plancey as the quintessential “Rabbi’s Rabbi”—a source of wisdom, guidance – and support and shared his deep admiration for Rebbetzen Plancey.

Speakers, including two of the couple’s sons, shared personal memories, highlighted Rabbi Plancey’s civic contributions during his time as a county councillor, his two terms as Mayor of Hertsmere, and his later honour as Alderman of the County.

Rabbi Plancey was a leading activist in the Soviet Jewry campaign, a chaplain to the police for more than 30 years and also chaplain to Luton Airport. In 2023 he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for political and public service in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Rebbetzen Plancey served the BES community for over three decades alongside her husband, who led the shul from 1976 until his retirement in 2007, and was later appointed emeritus rabbi.