Orthodox Union Appoints Rabbi Shmuel Silber as Executive Vice President

On September 25, 2023, the Orthodox Union (OU), the largest umbrella organization of Orthodox Judaism in the United States, announced the appointment of Rabbi Shmuel Silber as its new Executive Vice President. Rabbi Silber will officially begin his role in November 2023, succeeding the late Rabbi Moshe Hauser, who passed away in October 2022. In this position, Rabbi Silber will be responsible for representing the OU's vision in Torah and public policy, as well as providing ideological and halachic guidance both within and outside the organization.

Rabbi Silber, formerly the rabbi of the Suburban Orthodox Torah Life community in Baltimore for 23 years, is also the founder and dean of the Institute for Jewish Continuity (IJC), which offers contemporary Torah study with a Hasidic approach. He also serves as the founding rabbi of the Berger Towers community in Jerusalem’s Katamon neighborhood. Rabbi Silber was ordained at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) and holds a master's degree in Jewish education from the Azrieli Graduate School.

Simultaneously, Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, currently OU’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of CEO, overseeing all programs and operations. Both Rabbi Silber and Rabbi Joseph will report directly to the OU’s Executive Committee. Rabbi Moshe Alfant continues as CEO of OU Kosher, the organization's kosher certification division, ensuring high standards worldwide.

This leadership restructuring follows the unexpected death of Rabbi Hauser, who had served as Executive Vice President since January 2020 and was a prominent voice for American Orthodoxy, including advocacy against campus antisemitism and support for Israeli hostages. OU President Mitchell Aider emphasized the complementary strengths of Rabbi Silber and Rabbi Joseph and expressed confidence in their ability to advance the OU’s mission. The OU, founded in 1898, represents over 400 Orthodox Jewish communities in the U.S. and operates significant youth and community programs both in America and Israel, including support for at-risk youth and English-speaking immigrants in Israel.