Association of Hillel and Jewish Campus Professionals

The Association of Hillel Directors was first conceived at a private meeting in 1948 with several midwestern collegiate Hillel directors including: Harry Kaplan (Ohio State University), Ben Kahn (Penn State University), Judah Goldin (University of Iowa), Ted Gordon (University of Pennsylvania) and Alfred Josep (Indiana University). Modeling themselves after the Association of Jewish Center Workers, the original members envisioned the exchange of professional ideas and concerns. In 1949, at the Hillel Director's Conference, the organization was officially recognized by Hillel (and its parent organization B'nai B'rith) while concerns about labor practices were added to the list of goals.

During the presidency of Max Ticktim in 1956, the Association shifted from being a professional organization into a structure similar to a labor union. Unionization would remain a primary focus for the Association until the 1980s and beyond. The Association negotiated with its parent organization B'nai B'rith for professional development and consistent working conditions. They also spent considerable time studying compensation issues including insurance and salary.

The Association meets yearly at the Director's Meeting organized by Hillel. At these meetings a president and board are elected to run the association. Grievance cases are brought before the board and recommendations made on fair resolution of disputes.

From the guide to the Association of Hillel and Jewish Campus Professionals Records., 1948-1990., (The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives)