Raphael Langham

Raphael Langham had a unique gift for storytelling. He could uncover obscure facts and transform them into captivating narratives, leaving a lasting impact on all who heard them. His tales transcended time, echoing across generations and leaving an indelible mark on everyone they touched. This is a glimpse into the story of his extraordinary life.

The journey begins in the late 19th century, in the village of Chichenoz, near Plotzk, a region that was part of Poland or Russia, depending on the year. In 1891, a young man named Isaac Eleazar made a courageous decision to seek a better life. Facing relentless poverty and persecution, he fled to London at the age of 20. In his new homeland, he became Isaac Lazarus and later a British citizen. By 1898, Isaac, now a tailor, had married Jane Kramer, and together they had six children: Cissy, Fay, Hettie, Harold, Flo, and Sidney.

Around the same time, in the 1890s, in Berdichev, Ukraine, Avraham Ochs married Hannah Bella Schultz, affectionately known as Bubbe. They were blessed with five children: Miriam, Samuel, Rae, Freda, and Morry. Amidst wars, revolutions, and continued persecution of Jews, Avraham, a bugler in the Tsar’s army, deserted when war broke out between Russia and Japan. He found refuge in the UK, soon followed by his family. They, too, changed their names—first to Ox, and later to Fox.

In the vibrant, bustling East End of London, the Lazarus and Fox families flourished. In 1931, Harold Langham (formerly Lazarus), son of Isaac, married Freda Fox, daughter of Avraham and Bubbe. They had two children: Frank Raphael and his brother Adrian.

Raphael Langham proudly claimed to be a Cockney, having been born within the sound of Bow Bells. Whenever he was invited to a function requiring national dress, he would joke about showing up in a full Pearly King outfit.

One of his earliest and most formative experiences was living through the Blitz at the tender age of seven. Years later, he attended a lecture about World War II in London, where the speaker downplayed the severity of the Blitz. He turned to his children and remarked, “Well, it felt pretty severe when you heard the bombs dropping all around you.”

During the war, he was evacuated to High Wycombe with his family and cousin Michael, an experience he often recalled. Later in life, he even returned to High Wycombe and visited his old school. In July 2024, as the world commemorated the heroics of D-Day, he vividly remembered that day 80 years prior, describing the sky filled with aircraft and the palpable sense of history unfolding.

After the war, his teenage years were filled with adventure and lifelong friendships, particularly through Study Groups—a Jewish camp where the children often took the lead. One of his old Study Group friends later recounted the many trips they all went on togteher including a memorable trip to Spain when they were all 19.

At 20, he embarked on national service, spending nearly a year in the Sinai Desert at Kabrit with the RAF, tasked with protecting the Suez Canal.

Returning to London, he pursued a career as an actuary at Unilever. It takes a special kind of genius to become an actuary, let alone run one of Europe’s biggest pension funds. Raphael achieved this and was recognised worldwide by his peers as one of the 20th century’s greatest actuaries.

In the 1960s, a serendipitous double date, orchestrated by a friend from the Spain trip, introduced him to a young trainee nurse called Dolly from Morocco. Their first evening together, featuring a trip to the theatre and dinner at London’s then only vegan restaurant, sparked a nearly 60-year romance filled with laughter, travel, and deep devotion. Their marriage was a union of warmth, love, humour, generosity, and curiosity, shaping the lives of their family. Together, they built a loving home and raised three children—Phil, Judith, and Eric—who, in turn, blessed them with six cherished grandchildren: Ellie, Sam, Lola, Jed, Jay, and Lottie.

Beyond his professional life, Raphael was deeply involved in his community. At South Hampstead Synagogue, he helped research the synagogue’s history, and before that, at Mill Hill Synagogue, he formed a quiz team that went on to win regional and national championships.

Upon retirement, he reinvented himself. He returned to university, earning a first in history, and authored two epic books on Jewish history: “A History of the Jews in Britain” and “A History of the Board of Deputies.” These great tomes now sit in the British Library alongside his father Harold’s two books: “Accountancy for Golf Clubs” and “Accountancy for Synagogues.” His writing reflected his dual passions: the analytical rigor of a mathematician and the creative interpretation of a storyteller. His fascination with history’s multiple interpretations and truths was evident in every story he told.

Raphael also had a talent for meticulous planning, which extended to both his professional and personal life. He organised numerous holidays with Dolly, exploring every continent in every season and using every form of transport. He orchestrated legendary Seder nights, creating a personalised family Haggadah each year—filled with jokes and quizzes—where everyone had a role.

He was passionate about some of the finest and most enjoyable things in life. He was a dedicated sports fan, especially when watching England play football, rugby, or cricket. He was at Wembley in 1966 when England lifted the World Cup. And just weeks before he passed away, he watched the Euros with his family, miraculously waking just in time to see England equalise and win against Slovakia.

Raphael had a great love for food and drink: cigars, whisky, crisps, liquorice, baklava, cake, biscuits, Magnum ice creams, wine, and an ever-present supply of mints. His two favourite meal courses were nibbles and dessert—a passion he certainly passed on to his grandchildren. He would often eat so much at kiddush that he had little room left for the Shabbat lunch Dolly had prepared.

Generous with his time and friendships, he formed lifelong bonds with cousins, friends from Study Groups, and many others. He had a genuine interest in the people around him and valued their company. He was always incredibly close to his brother Adrian, his sister-in-law Fanny, and his nieces and nephews: Abigail, Noam, and Shlomit. Even when traveling for business, he never forgot his family, sending postcards from every place he visited and bringing home thoughtful gifts: a wide variety of national costume dolls, thick and itchy Guernsey jumpers from Guernsey, and Converse trainers from the USA.

Raphael Langham lived a momentous and remarkable life. His legacy is carried forward by his children and grandchildren, in their memories, traditions, and the stories they cherish. His life was a testament to the power of storytelling, a narrative that will continue to echo through time and across generations.