About Hilda Specter Morgenstern

Hilda Specter Morgenstern (October 15, 1921-October 6, 2009) was an American Jewish woman who worked tirelessly and gave generously to Jewish causes in the communities she lived, including: Wichita, KS, Denver, CO, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, and Jerusalem, Israel.

The former Hilda Specter was born in Philadelphia, PA, but was raised primarily in Kansas, where her father, a Russian immigrant, found work as a peddler. Despite the hardship of growing up during the Depression, Mrs. Morgenstern graduated from Wichita University in 1942 with honors. She met her husband, Arthur Morgenstern, a serviceman stationed at Fort Riley, KS, during Rosh Hashanah services at a Wichita synagogue.

Mrs. Morgenstern won a scholarship to Syracuse University in government administration, but was unable to finish her degree as she became pregnant with her first daughter. Her interest in government and politics extended to her youngest brother, Senator Arlen Specter, who served as Senator for the state of Pennsylvania for more than 30 years.

She and her husband were very involved in Lincoln Square Synagogue, in Manhattan, where Mr. Morgenstern served as President. Together they made aliyah to Jerusalem in 1981, where they lived for 23 years.

Mrs. Morgenstern raised a family of four children, has 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.