Orthodox Union

OU Independence Day event in Jerusalem sees about two thousand participants

Several of the organization's senior leadership were in attendance, as well as an assortment of Americans, Canadians, Australians, and South Africans, including Olim.

OU Israel Independence Day event for English-speakers at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem, April 21, 2026.
A Jewish person holds Tehillim, the book of Psalms, seeking solace in prayer on Memorial Day in Tel Aviv

Legal brief filed to support case of Ohio Orthodox Jew banned from holding minyan in home

An illustrative image of a hotel.

Grapevine: Sigh... more hotels

THE WRITER (right) stands with Rabbi Moshe Hauer at the Haas Promenade after an OU Israel annual Jerusalem Day celebratory morning prayer service overlooking the Old City. Everybody who encountered Rabbi Hauer felt how much he genuinely cared, says the writer.

Rabbi Moshe Hauer’s quiet strength united Jews everywhere - opinion


Orthodox Union to launch grant program to return to synagogue life

The grants will be awarded to congregations who create innovative programs or services to encourage a return to congregants.

The expansive interior of the Chicago Loop Synagogue includes its famous stained-glass window. Synagogue leadership hopes to turn the congregation, which has fallen on hard times, into a showcase for similar congregation windows.

OU's Yachad raises $1.6 million to support those with disabilities

The Jewish organization announced that the donations came from over 2,500 people, and the funding will underwrite services and programs as well as scholarships for those with disabilities.

Disability inclusion in Israel by White Animation

Orthodox Jewish groups endorse coronavirus vaccine, rabbis follow suit

“It is not a task that we are undertaking to try to convince the anti-vaccine movement,” said OU executive vice president Rabbi Moshe Hauer.

A haredi Orthodox man waits to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 coronavirus in Bnei Brak, a haredi city in Israel, Dec. 21, 2020.

Congressional budget includes double the security funding for nonprofits

The funding goes to hardening targets with “barriers, gates, safety gear, surveillance equipment."

FITZGERALD HEBREW Congregation Synagogue building, Fitzgerald, Georgia; dedicated on June 25, 1942.

Orthodox Union, US Rabbinic Council advise use of coronavirus vaccine

Jews are obligated to care for their own health and protect others from harm or illness under Halakha.

An Orthodox Jewish man wears a mask while talking on a cellphone in the Orthodox Jewish community of the Borough Park neighborhood during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID19) in the Brooklyn borough of New York, U.S., April 30, 2020.

Coronavirus guidelines: How should Jewish communities behave in winter?

These guidelines were created by the OU and RCA after consulting with numerous poskim (halachic authorities) to best determine communal decisions and policies.

Hasidic Jewish men gather for a morning prayer outside of a synagogue, closed due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City, New York

Rockoff announced as new executive vice president of the RZA

Earlier in the year, Rockoff served as the head of World Mizrachi’s Orthodox Israel Coalition, doubling its membership from the previous elections.

Rabbi Ari Rockoff of West Hempstead, New York, now executive vice president of the RZA

Orthodox Union launches applications for Impact Accelerator program

The applications are due on October 30, and includes completing an online form, an interview with the OU Impact Accelerator selection committee and a pitch to the program’s board.

The Orthodox Union (OU) was founded in New York in 1898

OU Kosher opens new education division to support communities online

The OU Kosher first virtual event was attended by no less than 1,100 people in 23 countries around the world.

Rabbi Menachem Genack (left) and Rabbi Moshe Elefant of the Orthodox Union

Orthodox Union to highlight positive stories during pandemic

The initiate will be held on Shabbat on August 22, and will include Torah discussions.

Shabbat candles