What's Happening?
Rabbi Moshe Hauer, the Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union (OU), has died at the age of 60. His sudden passing on Simchat Torah was due to a heart attack at his home. Rabbi Hauer was a prominent figure in the Jewish community, having led the OU since
2020. Before his tenure at the OU, he served as the senior rabbi of Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion in Baltimore for 26 years. He was known for his contributions to education, youth support, and community welfare. Rabbi Hauer also founded Klal Perspectives, an online journal for Orthodox thought, and was involved in rabbinic leadership training programs. His educational background includes rabbinic ordination and a doctorate in Jewish law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College, as well as a master’s degree in engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
Why It's Important?
Rabbi Hauer's death marks a significant loss for the Jewish community both in the United States and globally. His leadership at the Orthodox Union, a central organization for Orthodox Jewish communities in North America, was instrumental in fostering unity and strengthening ties between Diaspora Jewry and Israel. Tributes from figures such as President Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and President Isaac Herzog highlight his influence and the respect he garnered across religious and political spheres. His efforts in promoting Jewish identity and education have left a lasting impact, and his passing is a moment of reflection on his contributions to Jewish life and community cohesion.
