Rabbi Daniel Sayani

Rabbi Daniel Sayani did not grow up Jewish. He found his way to Judaism as an adult, drawn by its learning, community, and sense of purpose. Thirteen years after his conversion, he now serves as the rabbi of Clearview Jewish Center in Whitestone, Queens, where he is known for taking Jewish law seriously while caring deeply about people and their everyday lives.

Rabbi Sayani received rabbinic ordination in April 2018 from Yeshivas Ohr Kedoshim d’Biala in Boro Park, a yeshiva connected to the warm and welcoming Biala Hasidic community. Their focus on seeing the good in every person has strongly shaped the way he teaches, leads, and relates to people from all kinds of backgrounds.

He continued his studies in Jerusalem. In 2023, he completed a degree in Judaic Studies at Yeshivas Bircas haTorah after years of serious learning and testing in Talmud and Jewish thought. That same year, he received additional rabbinic ordination through Machon Smicha, with advanced training in Jewish law — especially Shabbat and kashrut. His ordination was granted under leading rabbis including HaRav Chaim Finkelstein of Yeshiva L’Rabbonus in Pretoria, South Africa.

In 2024, he earned certification as a Mesader Kiddushin through Machon Smicha. For Rabbi Sayani, a wedding is not only a legal ceremony, but a moment to bring warmth, clarity, and meaning to a couple, helping them understand the ketubah and each part of the ceremony in a simple and personal way.

Since August 2021, he has led Clearview Jewish Center — a synagogue founded in 1952 by Holocaust survivors. Under his guidance, the community transitioned to full Orthodox practice while remaining welcoming. He uses Zoom and modern tools to keep seniors and busy families connected. He teaches regular classes (including JLI Torah Studies) that make classical texts feel alive and relevant by connecting them to literature, current events, and real-life questions.

His work extends beyond the synagogue: delivering invocations at 9/11 and Veterans Day events in Marine Park, Brooklyn; building interfaith friendships (including with Roman Catholic Deacon Fred Ritchie); arranging daily mourner’s kaddish recitations; supervising kosher operations; and serving as a nursing home chaplain. He previously led Shore Parkway Jewish Center through the aftermath of an antisemitic attack in 2020 (covered by ABC 7 Eyewitness News).

Rabbi Sayani shares teachings via YouTube lectures and articles in The Times of Israel. His journey reflects deliberate choice, disciplined study, and leadership focused on relationships, tradition, and helping people feel seen and supported.

Certifications