This past Shemini Atzeret, the Orthodox Union—and the broader Jewish world—lost a leader of uncommon depth and humility. Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, who served as Executive Vice President for nearly six years, guided the OU with wisdom grounded in Torah and a profound sense of responsibility to Klal Yisrael.
Again and again, in his writing and teachings, Rabbi Hauer returned to the theme of hakarat hatov—the discipline of recognizing the good. Gratitude, for him, was not a passing emotion but a way of seeing: a lens through which to understand the world, to lead, and to serve others.
In honor of Thanksgiving, we share selections from Rabbi Hauer’s writings on the ever-relevant themes of gratitude and hakarat hatov—principles that shaped his life, guided his leadership, and inspired all who knew him.
“The Gift of Israel,” published in the Summer 2023 issue of Jewish Action
Erev Shabbos Message, Parashat Eikev 5781 (2021)
Erev Shabbos Message, Parashat Ki Teitzei 5781 (2021)
“Viduy and Gratitude,” shiur hosted on OU Torah
“Reflections on an Unusual Thanksgiving,” published by the OU
In Conversation with Yaakov Langer