Kaplan, Judge J., 1889-[1960]

Judge Jacob J. Kaplan (1889-1960)

Judge Jacob J. Kaplan, born March 12 1889 was a prominent and well-respected Judge in Boston, Massachusetts. Born in New York, his family moved to Boston and settled in the West End. With the support of his parents, Kaplan excelled academically and at fifteen entered Harvard University. While at Harvard, Kaplan continued to prove his academic prowess. He was elected into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, graduated in three years, and attended Harvard Law School as one of the youngest members and graduates.

After graduating from law school, Kaplan spent seven years under the tutelage of Louis Brandeis, and gained skills that led to employment at the distinguished law firm of Nutter, McClennen and Fish. This notable position led to an appointment as the President of the Boston Bar Association and as a committee member on the Federal Judiciary of the American Bar Association. As a senior partner at Nutter, McClennen and Fish, Kaplan earned great respect from his colleagues and soon began his career as a judge with a seat as Justice of the Dorchester Municipal Court.

Among his many interests was the financial welfare of the city of Boston. This is reflected in his choice to serve on the boards of the Boston Finance Commission, the Federated Department Stores, Filenes's, and the Provident Institution of Savings. Judge Kaplan also had a deep respect for the educational institutions of Boston and was a trustee of Wellesley College, Hebrew Teachers College of Boston, Boston Society of Natural History, and the Museum of Science. He was also a member of the Board of Governors of Boston University.

Judge Kaplan's wide range of interests in the welfare of the Jewish people led to his service as a board member, director, and trustee of a variety of committees such as Beth Israel Hospital, World Peace Foundation and International Friendship League, War Emergency Council, Jewish Welfare Board, and Administrative Committee of United Palestine Appeal. He was the founder of the Boston Chapter of the American Jewish Committee.

Judge Jacob J. Kaplan died in 1960. 1

• 1889: JJK born in New York, on March 12
• 1907: B.A. Harvard University
• 1910: L.L.B. Harvard Law School
• 1960: JJK died

1 Biographical information was obtained from the eulogy in the Judge Jacob J Kaplan collection.

From the guide to the Judge Jacob J. Kaplan Papers, 1927-1960 [1934-1935], (American Jewish Historical Society)