The Morris J. and Betty Kaplun Foundation was established in 1955; both Morris and Betty were refugees from Nazi persecution. According to the Kaplun Foundation website, “they seek to encourage young people to treasure our Jewish heritage, reflect on our Jewish values, and better understand our contribution to civilization and culture. To this effort, the Foundation sponsors an annual essay contest open to both junior high and high school students.” The Kaplun Essay Contest is offered annually to to encourage all students, no matter their religion, to reflect upon Judaism’s contribution to civilization and culture.

Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?

This annual essay contest is open to both junior high and high school students, no matter their religion. Students from all over the world are eligible to apply to this essay contest.

How to apply to the 2021 Morris and Betty Kaplun Essay Contest:

Applicants must write an essay responding to one of the following prompts:

Level 1: Grades 7-9: How can Jewish customs, rituals, and practices help you deal with the challenging environment posed by the Coronavirus?

Level 2: Grades 10-12: With the world ravaged by the Coronavirus and the turmoil that accompanies social unrest, discuss how Jewish ideals/values* help us think about these current events and how they can help us hold onto our democratic ideals.

How much  are the awards worth?

Level 1
$1,800 = for 1st prize
$500 = to each of the 5 finalists

Level 2
$1,800 = for 1st prize
$500 = to each of the 5 finalists

Entrance prizes of $18.00 awarded to the first 50 essays received in each level.

When is the Kaplun Essay Contest application due?

The deadline for submissions is March 7, 2021, and winners will be notified by May 31, 2021!

Click here to see the contest winners and finalist from 2020.

For a handy list of FAQs, click here.

Still need answers? All questions can be sent to [email protected]

Best of luck to all who apply!