Editor’s note & attribution:
This interview was originally published by The Jewish Vues as “REMEMBERING ORTHODOX UNION (OU) EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RABBI MOSHE HAUER ZT”L — An Exclusive Interview with Rabbi Moshe Elefant,” posted on October 21. jewishvues.com
An interview with Rabbi Moshe Elefant
Last week, on Shemini Atzeret (a Jewish festival that concludes the Sukkot season), Rabbi Moshe Hauer passed away (“niftar”) suddenly at his home in Baltimore from a heart attack. He was 60.
Rabbi Moshe Elefant is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Rabbinic Coordinator of OU Kosher (a division of the Orthodox Union, the largest kosher-certifying agency). A close friend and colleague of Rabbi Hauer, Rabbi Elefant spoke with The Jewish Vues’ Ari Hirsch about his memories.
“Tell us a little about Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l.”
Rabbi Elefant: Rabbi Hauer was truly unique. He gave up being the Rav (senior rabbi) of a prominent shul (synagogue) in Baltimore—where he was very successful and where his family lived—to join the Orthodox Union so he could do more for Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people as a whole). That’s what drove him: a profound desire to serve the community.
He was a person of great integrity and conviction who constantly thought about the needs of all Jews, across every community. He deeply wanted unity—achdus (communal harmony)—and he genuinely felt the pain of others. Over the past two years, you could see on his face how much he was hurting because the Jewish people were hurting. That’s who he was: someone whose heart embraced all of Klal Yisrael. Losing him at the height of his leadership is a loss we could ill afford.
“How did you meet Rabbi Hauer?”
Rabbi Elefant: We first met years ago at a meeting with Rabbi Menachem Genack about what I’d call an achdus issue—there was discord, and Rabbi Hauer wanted to help make peace.
Later, when he was being considered for the OU, then-president Moishe Bane asked me to meet him. I was immediately impressed. We developed a very strong relationship. The last time we spoke was on Erev Rosh Hashanah (the eve of the Jewish New Year), and even afterward he texted me with kashrus (kosher law) questions. We worked on many initiatives together. It was a very special bond.
“Can you share one story from your time together?”
Rabbi Elefant: We once traveled to Europe together to celebrate a siyum (completion of a study cycle) on Maseches Yevamos (a tractate of the Talmud), visiting London and Manchester. Spending time with him was a pleasure. Despite his stature, he was unfailingly humble and respectful—he treated everyone as an equal.
Across many projects, the common thread was either Limud HaTorah (Torah study) or achdus (unity). Those were his North Stars.
“Given recent events, how do we keep the achdus—the unity—going?”
Rabbi Elefant: By remembering what happens when we don’t have it. I’m convinced that enemies like Hamas saw internal discord in Israel and viewed it as an opportunity. If we don’t learn from that, who knows what could happen again—chas v’shalom (God forbid). We have to remember the cost of disunity.
“Who will take over Rabbi Hauer’s role at the OU?”
Rabbi Elefant: The OU’s structure with two Executive Vice Presidents was new. Traditionally there was only one. Rabbi Hauer and Dr. Josh Joseph shared the role and worked together wonderfully. At this moment, I don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
“Anything else you’d like to share about Rabbi Hauer?”
Rabbi Elefant: It’s hard to think right now—this is a very sad time. But one thing stands out: even though he was a true Talmid Chacham (Torah scholar), he showed extraordinary respect for other Talmidei Chachamim (scholars). Emulating that humility and respect will be the greatest zechus (merit) for his neshama (soul).