History of Kaplan Caring Committee
The George and Molly Kaplan Caring Committee was dedicated to the memory of George and Molly Kaplan, members of Congregation Agudath Israel since its earliest days. George and Molly raised their family at CAI and supported the congregation and the greater community in innumerable ways. George served on many committees including holding the position of President of the congregation, and as president of B’nai B’rith as well. Many a congregant patronized the Caldwell Men's Shop on 'the Avenue', where George could be found from 1932 to 1982 until his retirement. Additionally, George Kaplan served on the Caldwell Council and was Mayor of the Township of Caldwell from 1967 to 1975, as well as chief of the Caldwell Fire Department. Molly was active in Sisterhood, Hadassah, and B’nai B’rith. She spent many years in the kitchen using her exceptional cooking skills to benefit the congregation in many ways. She was well-known for her famous chocolate chip cookies, which she lovingly distributed to family, friends, neighbors and congregants. Molly also repaired our prayer books, which Cantor Caplan delivered to her house. This loving task filled her time and allowed her to perform a mitzvah.
Regular Shabbat attendees, both Molly and George could be found in the second row of the sanctuary, a space that Molly continued to occupy after George's death in 1989. The Caring Committee and its dedicated members played a vital role in the last years of Molly's life, filling in for family with phone calls, rides and visits when needed. They both wanted nothing more than to be able to give back to their synagogue community and Caldwell in general. Aptly named for George and Molly, our Caring Committee continues to provide necessary help and friendship to congregants not fortunate enough to have family nearby. Providing rides to medical appointments, errands as needed, and check-in telephone calls, the George and Molly Kaplan Caring Committee plays a tremendous role in so many lives throughout our community.
