BALTIMORE — 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 60, from a heart attack on Shemini Atzeres at his home in Baltimore.
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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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/iuArUTInWC
— Orthodox Union (@OrthodoxUnion) October 16, 2025
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.”
Hauer’s survivors include his mother, Miriam Hauer; his wife, Mindi Hauer; their sons Yissachar, Yehuda Leib and Shalom; daughters Devorah Walfish, Batsheva Neuberger, Chana Schneiweiss and Rachel Hauer, and their spouses and numerous grandchildren.
It’s heartbreaking to be sharing tragic news immediately following such a joyous yom tov. I am absolutely stunned and devastated by the news of the sudden passing of Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, EVP of the OU. He was a humble giant of a person, a leader, a scholar, and visionary.
— Micah Greenland (@MicahGreenland) October 16, 2025
On a personal level, this one hurts deeply. Rabbi Hauer was a mentor I looked up to—and regularly turned to for honest, grounded advice. Still trying to process this. What’s clear is that the Jewish people just lost one of its most thoughtful, impactful and irreplaceable leaders https://t.co/2wiaIuuXgu
— Dovi Safier (@safier) October 16, 2025
Rabbi Hauer was a visionary, obviously, but he also cared deeply about young Jews and ALWAYS made time for us. This is a devastating loss for our People.
— Shabbos Kestenbaum (@ShabbosK) October 16, 2025
This is just devastating. Rabbi Hauer was a wise partner in the work of @OUAdvocacy and wonderful friend…. Words fail me right now. https://t.co/vka8OT0ouC
— Nathan Diament (@NDiament) October 16, 2025
Rabbi Hauer's devotion, integrity, and love for every Jew inspired all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy of Torah, leadership, and kindness continue to guide us. -Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Chai Lifeline CEO
— Chai Lifeline (@Chai_Lifeline) October 16, 2025
I am shattered by the sudden passing of my dear friend and partner, Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l. We just spoke this past Friday and texted on Monday, when he was overflowing with joy at the miracle of the hostages’ freedom and the unmistakable hand of Hashem in it. Rabbi Hauer was a… pic.twitter.com/Eh602qT8Lx
— William Daroff (@Daroff) October 16, 2025
With the sudden and devastating passing of Rabbi Moshe Hauer, I want to share one story of him:
The last time I was with Rabbi Moshe Hauer, President of the Orthodox Union, was at the White House in May.
He listened patiently as I was rambling about some silly political matter.… pic.twitter.com/KzVxZEjLPU
— Shabbos Kestenbaum (@ShabbosK) October 16, 2025
A devastating loss for the Jewish people and world.
Rabbi Hauer zt”l was a leader, mentor, and friend to so many.
Over the coming days and weeks you will hear story after story of this talmid chacham and his warmth, kindness, and love for Klal Yisrael https://t.co/v7O5yy37Xs
— Maury Litwack (@mlitwack) October 16, 2025
Some leaders shape institutions. Others shape hearts. Rabbi Moshe Hauer did both.
I’m in such shock and disbelief from learning the heartbreaking news of Rabbi Moshe Hauer’s passing.
This week, as we reach the end of the Torah and begin again, we read V’zot HaBerachah, “And…
— Sheila Katz (@SheilaKatz1) October 16, 2025
Baruch Dayan Emes!! What a loss for Klal Yisroel!! He was a true ambassador of Torah, A Talmid Chacham, and a devoted askan for ALL of Klal Yisroel. May his family be comforted.
My wife and I had the gift of joining Rabbi Hauer and his congregation when we moved to Baltimore in 2005. As a baal tschuvah and my wife as a convert, he treated us with such love and sage guidance as we negotiated the beginning of our journey. He was a singular force in the advancement of all causes, whether they be in our immediate community or for Jews throughout the world. He was chosen by the OU because of his leadership and innovative approach to reaching all Jews everywhere. He will be sorely missed. He elevated the neshamah of thousands of Jews in the course of his all-too-short life. He has been called home. We mourn for his family. He will never be forgotten
Baruch Dayan haEmes.
BDE. Terrible for the kehila & OU to suddely such a talented & dedicated person. I’m sure we will learn more about his great work and look forward to be inspired by his legacy.
Rabbi Hauer was a true leader. He worked closely with Rabbi Kotlarsky and Chabad and always joined the kinus. Differences were put aside for the bigger goal of helping yidden. Rabbi Hauer partnered with Chabad in helping many of the yidden in ukraine and Moldova. With out his vision,cooperation and dedication we could not do all that was and is being done. Rabbi Hauer, Go up to the Kisei Hakavod and tell Hashem, ” Ad Mosai.”
To the entire Jewish community and to Rabbi Hauer’s family. I am truly sorry for your loss of a good person.
A side point, I was watching the levaya, where is everybody..not that he needs it , but a talmid of ner y, rose to such heights locally and nationaly..and the room doesn’t look packed at all..unless everyone is outside.?