We are writing with our heartfelt and deepest condolences upon learning the news of the passing of Rabbi Moshe Hauer z”l, the Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union and Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation B’nai Jacob Shaare Zion in Baltimore, Maryland. Rabbi Hauer passed away suddenly over Shemini Atzeret and will be buried in Jerusalem before Shabbat.

We have both had the extraordinary privilege to know and work with Rabbi Hauer. He was a man of deep learning but also deep compassion. He was dedicated to to the well-being of the Jewish community here in North America and around the world. He cared passionately for our beloved State of Israel and was a tireless advocate on her behalf. He believed in and was dedicated to the unity of the Jewish people and worked relentlessly to bring us together on issues that had the potential to divide us. The community as a whole will miss his quiet but effective leadership, and we will miss his calm but frank counsel and advice. In the merit of all the support that Rabbi Hauer provided to the work of the Jewish Federation system, we will work even harder to engage and educate more Jews in the great mission of the Jewish people.

It is especially difficult to learn of Rabbi Hauer’s passing as we came out of the holidays of Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, holidays that are collectively known in our tradition as z’man simchateinu – the time of our happiness. We know Rabbi Hauer would want us to carry on our work – and his work - of building flourishing Jewish communities with determination but also with great joy. Let us do so in memory of our dear friend, Rabbi Moshe Hauer z”l.

May his loving family, especially his wife Rebbetzin Mindi and their children and grandchildren, be comforted among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.