Jewish Theological Seminary

Overview: The Foundation helped start the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1992. Following the passing of Paul (Stanley and Rita’s son), Rita understood that Conservative rabbis needed pastoral training to help families navigate difficult end-of-life issues. So, the Foundation began subsidizing stipends for rabbinical school students, making it possible for them to complete a CPE internship.

Giving Highlight: In 2007, following JTS’ decision to ordain openly gay rabbis, the Foundation approved a $1.5m grant in memory of Paul, endowing the Paul A. Kaplan Pastoral Care Internship. The endowment provides rabbinical and cantorial students with a monthly living stipend while they complete a CPE internship. In 2009, JTS established a Center for Pastoral Education, with the goal of teaching seminary students—Jewish and non-Jewish—rabbis, and ordained clergy of all faiths the art of pastoral care. The inspiration for the Center dates back to the early 1990s, when Rita initiated conversations with JTS about the need for such training.