Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union and a leading voice in American Orthodox Judaism, passed away suddenly at 64 during Shemini Atzeres. Known for his scholarship, bridge-building, and advocacy against antisemitism, Hauer leaves behind a lasting legacy of Torah leadership and community service. His funeral will take place in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Moshe Hauer, the Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union (OU), passed away suddenly from a heart attack at his Baltimore home on October 15, during the holiday of Shemini Atzeres. He was 64.
Rabbi Hauer had led the OU's rabbinic and policy efforts since May 2020, serving as its main spokesperson on issues like kosher standards and antisemitism.
A Ner Israel Rabbinical College alumnus with a Johns Hopkins graduate degree, he spent 26 years as senior rabbi at Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation in Baltimore, focusing on education and community services.
The OU described him as a Torah scholar, teacher, and key voice for Orthodox Judaism. Tributes highlighted his work with Congress on antisemitism and his role in programs like rabbinic training and NCSY youth initiatives.William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents, called Hauer a "trusted adviser" and "bridge-builder."
Other figures, including Shabbos Kestenbaum and Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, praised his guidance and partnerships.
Hauer had recently expressed joy over the Gaza hostage releases under the ceasefire deal.
Rabbi Hauer will be laid to rest tomorrow (Friday) in Jerusalem.
The community has asked for privacy for his family.
May his memory be a blessing.
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