By Shira Kramer, Editor-in-Chief
In this day and age, it is difficult to define what makes someone a gadol (great person). In America, without a chief rabbi to guide the nation, we turn to our community leaders when making the hardest decisions. But, if we were to define a gadol, maybe it would be someone whose leadership was nationally recognized, or someone whose loss was significant enough to be mentioned by the president of the United States. Rabbi Moshe Hauer, who passed away suddenly on October 14, Shemini Atzeret at the age of 60, embodied all of these qualities.
While many knew him as the Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union (OU), Rabbi Hauer’s influence extended far beyond his title. He left an indelible mark on his Baltimore community and inspired generations through both his scholarship and his leadership.
Raised in Quebec, Canada, Rabbi Hauer moved to Baltimore to attend Yeshivas Ner Yisroel, where he received his rabbinic ordination. In 1994, he was appointed the senior rabbi of what is now Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion. During that time, Rabbi Hauer guided families, nurtured young leaders and helped shape the spiritual life of countless individuals. His presence was steady and unwavering, a source of guidance during both joyous celebrations and challenging times.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Rabbi Hauer sent a message to his community imploring them to be cautious with their health. “It is important for us to pray for all those affected, and for the containment of this virus,” Rabbi Hauer said in the statement. “We must also be properly informed and employ appropriate precautions.” During a time when many members and leaders of Orthodox communities across America were struggling to take CDC guidance seriously, Rabbi Hauer’s voice stood out. His words echoed a care for his community and pikuach nefesh (regard for human life) overall.
Later, Rabbi Hauer brought these seeds of leadership to the world stage through his work as the Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union. He helped the organization navigate complex communal issues, offering guidance that was both compassionate and rooted in Jewish law. Under his leadership, the Orthodox Union grew in influence and credibility, reaching communities across the United States and beyond. Through his position, he became one of the most trusted voices of Modern Orthodoxy in America.
Rabbi Hauer’s passing last month was felt not only in the United States, but around the world. Israeli President Isaac Herzog wrote on X that he was “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.” Herzog said that every conversation he had with Rabbi Hauer was meaningful and showed his love for Torah and Israel.
President Donald Trump also wrote a letter to the Orthodox Union expressing his condolences. “Rabbi Hauer was a man of faith, wisdom, and compassion whose life reflected an unwavering devotion to the Almighty, to his family, and to the Jewish community,” Trump said. “His influence endures through the countless lives he uplifted and the communities he helped strengthen.”
Rabbi Hauer’s life exemplifies true leadership. While leaders in the secular world are often those who are the loudest or command the most attention, Rabbi Hauer represented a different kind of role model. He led not by elevating himself, but by lifting up those around him.
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