Jews across the country are reeling after learning of the sudden death of Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union (OU), who passed away at 64, from a heart attack on Shemini Atzeres at his home in Baltimore.
Rabbi Hauer joined the OU on May 1, 2020, serving as the organization’s rabbinic leader, heading communal initiatives, and acting as its primary religious policy spokesperson. Before that, he led Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation in Baltimore for 26 years, focusing on education, children-at-risk, and Jewish communal service organizations. He was also a Torah teacher, ran a leadership program for rabbis and community leaders, and co-founded the online journal Klal Perspectives.
He received rabbinic ordination and a Doctor of Talmudic Law from Ner Israel and a Master of Science from Johns Hopkins University. Funeral arrangements are being finalized, and the family has requested privacy.
The congregation’s Rov, Rabbi Daniel Rose, said: “Rabbi Moshe Hauer was our teacher, our guide, and our leader. Out of respect for the family, this news was not shared on Yom Tov. Tonight, we will mourn together and honor his memory. Please respect the family’s privacy as funeral arrangements are finalized.”
The OU released an official statement mourning Rabbi Hauer’s passing:
“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. His leadership was marked by unwavering dedication, deep compassion, and a vision rooted in faith in Hashem, integrity, and love for Klal Yisrael. Whether through his inspiring words, thoughtful counsel, powerful advocacy, or quiet acts of kindness, Rabbi Hauer uplifted those around him and made an impact on every person he encountered. Funeral and shiva details will follow.”
Jewish leaders and colleagues expressed profound shock at the news. Rabbi Steven Burg, CEO of Aish, said, “He was a kind man and a great advocate for the Jewish people. May the Almighty comfort his family and the OU during this difficult period.”
Jonathan Weisman, a Chicago-based New York Times national editor, called it a “tragic, sudden loss,” adding, “I turned to Rabbi Hauer for almost any story I was writing on American Judaism, Israel and Zionism. He was an exceptionally thoughtful conservative voice, respectful and searching. May his memory be a blessing. I’m shocked.”
Rabbi Gil Student, director of Jewish media at the OU, described the loss as overwhelming: “My head is spinning over the magnitude of this tragedy for Klal Yisrael, for so many of my colleagues and friends, and for me personally. The few months I had of personal mentorship with him were eye-opening and inspiring. The more I saw into his personal world and thought process, the more I realized how truly great he was. I cry over what we have lost and treasure what little I was able to learn from him.”
Student recalled Rabbi Hauer’s office as a reflection of his character, noting it displayed “biblical verses or Talmudic sayings that serve as reminders about what is important.” He added, “The level of care that went into his every statement, the depth of his concern for everyone and everything, was so deep. And with all that, he had a mischievous sense of humor.”
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.
— Orthodox Union (@OrthodoxUnion) October 16, 2025
Rabbi Hauer was a true talmid chacham, a master teacher and communicator, the voice of… pic.twitter.com/iuArUTInWC
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