From the Liveblog of
Thursday, October 16, 2025
US Orthodox rabbinic leader Hauer dies suddenly at 60
Zev Stub is the Times of Israel's Diaspora Affairs correspondent.
The American Orthodox world is mourning Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union, who died of a heart attack Tuesday at age 60.
As the rabbinic leader of one of the world’s most important Orthodox institutions since 2020, Hauer led the OU’s communal activities in the United States and served as its primary spokesman. He was an outspoken advocate for Jewish causes in Washington and in local communities.
Hauer also served as the senior rabbi at Congregation Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion in Baltimore for 26 years.
His sudden death over the Shmini Atzeret holiday came as a surprise to those who knew him.
The OU mourns Hauer as “a true talmid chacham,” or wise scholar. It calls him “a master teacher and communicator, the voice of Torah to the Orthodox community and the voice of Orthodoxy to the world.”
“Rabbi Hauer’s leadership was marked by unwavering dedication, deep compassion, and a vision rooted in faith in Hashem, integrity, and love for Klal Yisrael,” the OU writes on X, using a Hebrew term for the Jewish people. “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.”
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
The Times of Israel Community.