Orthodox Union Appoints Rabbi Shmuel Silver as Executive Vice President

The Orthodox Union (OU), the largest umbrella organization of Orthodox Judaism in the United States, announced the appointment of Rabbi Shmuel Silver as its new Executive Vice President, effective from the upcoming month of Cheshvan. Rabbi Silver will be responsible for representing the OU's vision in Torah and public policy, as well as providing ideological and halachic guidance within and outside the organization. He succeeds the late Rabbi Moshe Hauser, who passed away recently.

Rabbi Silver, 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) and serves as founding rabbi of the Berger Towers community in Jerusalem. He was ordained at RIETS and holds a master's degree in Jewish education from the Azrieli Graduate School. Alongside Rabbi Silver, Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, currently COO and Senior Vice President, will assume the role of CEO, overseeing all OU programs and operations. Both will report directly to the OU Executive Committee.

Rabbi Moshe Alfant continues as CEO of OU Kosher, maintaining the organization's global kosher supervision standards. The leadership restructuring follows the unexpected death of Rabbi Hauser in the fall, 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 praised the new leadership team, highlighting their complementary strengths and commitment to serving Jewish communities in the U.S. and Israel. Rabbi Silver expressed honor at continuing Rabbi Hauser's legacy and emphasized unity and spiritual growth amid community challenges. Rabbi Dr. Joseph noted OU's strategic growth under his tenure and welcomed Rabbi Silver to the leadership team.

Founded in 1898, the OU represents over 400 Orthodox Jewish communities in the U.S. and is active in public policy, youth programs, and operates in Israel through youth centers and immigrant absorption initiatives led by Rabbi Avi Berman.