Beloved Torah scholar and OU Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, dies suddenly at 63, leaving behind a towering spiritual legacy.
The global Jewish community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, the Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union (OU) and one of the most respected voices of Torah and Jewish unity in our time.
Rabbi Hauer passed away on Tuesday during the holy festival of Shmini Atzeret, reportedly from a heart attack. He was 63 years old.
Before joining the OU in 2020, Rabbi Hauer led Congregation Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion in Baltimore for over 26 years, guiding generations with wisdom, warmth, and a deep love for Torah and Klal Yisrael.
In a moving statement, OU President Mitchel Aeder and Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, OU Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, expressed their profound grief:
“With tears in our eyes and hearts breaking, we share the devastating news of the loss of our beloved brother, rabbi, partner, friend, and Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l. Rabbi Hauer was a true talmid chacham, a master teacher and communicator, the voice of Torah to the Orthodox community and the voice of Orthodoxy to the world.”
They described him as a man who embodied Torah values, led with compassion and conviction, and uplifted all who crossed his path.
“He personified what it means to be a Torah Jew and took nothing more seriously than his role of sharing the joy of Jewish life with our community and beyond. His leadership was marked by unwavering dedication, deep compassion, and faith in Hashem.”
Throughout his career, Rabbi Hauer was recognized not only for his brilliant Torah insight, but also for his human warmth—offering wise counsel, comforting words, and relentless advocacy for the Jewish people, especially during times of crisis and antisemitism.
The OU’s leadership urged the community to honor Rabbi Hauer’s legacy by continuing his mission of Torah, chesed (kindness), and unity—values he championed until his final days.
“May his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim,” the statement concluded.
Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, leaves behind a generation inspired by his faith, humility, and love for Am Yisrael. His loss is immeasurable, yet his voice will echo through every act of goodness and Torah learning he inspired.
