Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union since 2020 and senior rabbi of Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation in Baltimore for 26 years, died Oct. 14 of a heart attack at his home in the city. He was 60 years old.
Hauer was beloved at Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion, where he took special care to be part of greater communal leadership and emphasized the importance of education, social service and help for at-risk children. In his role with the Orthodox Union, which supports the nation’s network of Orthodox synagogues and organizations, he served as the rabbinic leader and spokesperson.
Hauer was a major figure in Baltimore and American Jewry. Israeli President Isaac Herzog joined the chorus of condolences for the late rabbi, saying that he is “deeply saddened by the sudden passing of my friend, leader of the OU Rabbi Moshe Hauer, a true leader and teacher in the Jewish world.”
Hauer was a native of Montreal. He was ordained at Ner Israel in Baltimore and earned a master’s degree in engineering from Johns Hopkins University. He leaves behind his wife, Mindi, and their children.
The Orthodox Union said that Hauer was a consummate leader.
“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. He personified what it means to be a Torah Jew and took nothing more seriously than his role of sharing the joy of Jewish life with our community and beyond,” OU president Mitchel Aeder and executive vice president and chief operating officer Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph said in a statement.
“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,” they added.
The funeral was held Thursday in Baltimore, with the burial set for Friday in Israel.
