Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union (OU), passed away suddenly on Simchat Torah at age 60, prompting an outpouring of tributes from religious and political leaders across the United States and Israel. Rabbi Hauer, a respected scholar and communal leader, suffered a fatal heart attack at his home.
Rabbi Hauer had led the OU — the central umbrella organization for Orthodox Jewish communities in North America — since 2020. Prior to that, he served for 26 years as senior rabbi of Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion in Baltimore, where he was deeply involved in education, youth support and community welfare initiatives. He also founded Klal Perspectives, an online journal for Orthodox thought, and led rabbinic leadership training programs. He held rabbinic ordination and a doctorate in Jewish law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College and earned a master’s degree in engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a condolence letter to Rabbi Hauer’s family, writing: “Rabbi Hauer was a man of deep faith, wisdom, and compassion whose life reflected an unwavering devotion to the Almighty, to his family, and to the Jewish community. As a teacher, counselor, and friend, he dedicated his life to helping others and stood as a fierce advocate for the Jewish people. His influence endures through the countless lives he uplifted and the communities he helped strengthen.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote, “Sara and I were deeply saddened by the passing of Rabbi Moshe Hauer, a towering leader of faith and unity. As head of the Orthodox Union, he devoted his life to strengthening Jewish identity, bringing Jews closer to one another and closer to Israel. His legacy will live on in every soul he touched.”
President Isaac Herzog also expressed sorrow, calling Rabbi Hauer “a true leader and teacher in the Jewish world” whose warmth, love of Torah and commitment to Zionism left a lasting impression. “Each and every conversation I was privileged to have with him was so very meaningful,” Herzog posted on social media.
Senior Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, Immigration Minister Ofir Sofer and leaders of the World Zionist Organization and Jewish Agency also paid tribute, emphasizing Rabbi Hauer’s role in connecting Diaspora Jewry to Israel.
OU President Mitch Aeder and Senior Vice President Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph praised Rabbi Hauer as “the voice of Torah to the Orthodox community and the voice of Orthodoxy to the entire world,” calling him “a true Torah scholar” whose life was devoted to spreading the joy and values of Jewish life.
In Israel, Rabbi Avi Berman, executive director of OU Israel, highlighted Rabbi Hauer’s efforts to strengthen Jewish identity and unity through direct engagement with government officials and leaders. “We will continue in his path - with love of Torah, love of the Jewish people, and love of the Land of Israel,” Berman said.