Many feel that soft speech and a calm demeanor are beautiful traits, as long as they are backed up by a willingness to be forceful when necessary. While this may be true in the world of international diplomacy, Rabbi Moshe Hauer, ztv’l, modeled for us a different approach. Rabbi Hauer taught us to “speak softly and live a life of selfless dedication to your people.” Rabbi Hauer modeled that a message espoused through soft and kind words need not be reinforced through tough action or abrasive rhetoric. The big stick, which is often used both in words and actions, is not the only way to get your message across. Rather, through meaningful action that mirrors the values you espouse — acts of kindness, care, compassion, and empathy — these are the vehicles through which people will hear your words.

Rabbi Hauer strived for achdus (unity) within our people by listening to all and disagreeing agreeably. Rabbi Hauer spoke in a hushed tone, but his actions screamed sincerity, devotion, and love for Am Yisroel. In an age where we often talk over each other and where being heard means being the loudest and sometimes most abrasive or combative voice, Rabbi Hauer taught and modeled for us a different path. In his humble, often self-effacing way, he became one of the loudest, most impactful voices of our community.

He built a beautiful and holy mishpacha, a thriving kehilla, and at the helm of the OU continued to build an empire of Torah, activism, and outreach. In his weekly messages, one could feel the love, empathy, pain, and devotion to the very nation to which he dedicated his life. He shouldered the responsibility for the well-being of our people as if it were his burden alone to bear.

The world has lost a tremendous source of light. A family has lost its patriarch. Am Yisroel has lost a leader. For many of us, we have lost a dear, precious, and treasured friend. Yet, through the veil of tears and the shattered pieces of our communal heart, we must learn, internalize, and move forward. We must take the “speak softly and live a life of selfless dedication to your people” mantra of Rabbi Hauer, ztv’l, and make it our own. Let us lead lives where our actions speak louder than our words. Let us lead lives of dedication to Am Yisroel and Eretz Yisroel. Let us pledge to lead lives of depth, meaning, and purpose.

May the neshama of HaRav Moshe Yisrael ben HaRav Binyamin, ztv’l, find menucha by the Throne of Hashem, and may this precious neshama continue to speak softly and act loudly on our behalf.