Daniel Sayani’s journey as a rabbi started before he got to the pulpit. He didn’t grow up following the Torah; he found it as an adult because he was drawn to its depth, structure, and the steady purpose it gave to his daily life.
Daniel Sayani got his rabbinic ordination from Yeshivas Ohr Kedoshim d’Biala in Boro Park in April 2018 after years of hard work and changes in his life. He also got more semicha through programs like Pirchei Shoshanim in Lakewood and Machon Smicha, as well as advice from well-known teachers like Rav Gavriel Tzinner, Rav Refoel Dovid Banon, Rav Yochanan Gurary, Rav Dovid Schochet, and Rav Yosef Yeshaya Braun. He went back to Jerusalem in 2023 to study more advanced topics, such as Talmudic law and Jewish philosophy, to further enhance his knowledge and skills as a rabbi.
Daniel Sayani leads Clearview Center in Whitestone, Queens. This community was started by Holocaust survivors, and he helped them build it into a full traditional framework, which includes educational programs, religious services, and community support initiatives that honor their heritage and promote Jewish values. He is also the rov of Kehillas Mevaser Tov in East Brunswick, New Jersey. He also works as a chaplain, does hands-on chevra kadisha service, and runs a growing network of online classes that anyone can take no matter where they are in life.
Daniel Sayani still uses his experience to help others who are taking the same steps, even though he made this choice thirteen years ago.
In this interview, he talks honestly about how to help baalei teshuva and gerim, giving advice that only comes from his experience.
Looking back at your own start, what stands out most about the early days of choosing this path?
I didn’t get it as a child. I had to learn things one at a time while changing my daily routines to fit new rhythms. There were long hours of studying mixed with changes in real life. Finding people who were willing to answer questions without rushing the process was the most helpful thing.
After 13 years, what do you wish more people understood about supporting those new to Torah observance?
Everything is about having patience. Everyone progresses at their own pace. Some people jump right into texts, while others need time to get used to being in a new community. The key is to meet people where they are, without putting pressure on them or judging them.
You lead communities in both Queens and New Jersey. How does your background shape the way you welcome baalei teshuva and gerim there?
Walking the same road as someone else helps me remember the little things that matter, like saying hello, explaining customs clearly, and following up to show that someone really cares. We keep things warm and simple, especially in Queens, where life moves quickly, so new people feel like they belong right away.
What are some of the most common questions or struggles you hear from people just starting out?
A lot of people are unsure of how to handle family obligations, work schedules, and new traditions all at once. Some people ask about how to build a support network when their friends and family aren’t on the same page yet. I always tell them that making small, steady changes is the best way to make big changes, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way.
You offer so many classes online now. Why has that become such an important part of your work?
People are working hard, raising families, and dealing with real stress. We need to meet people where they are if we want Torah to be a part of their lives. People can join Zoom classes from home after a long day or while they’re on a work trip. It keeps the connection going even when you can’t be there in person.
What practical advice would you give to someone who wants to support baalei teshuva or gerim in their own community?
First, listen more than you talk. Ask them to simple meals or study sessions and don’t expect them to be perfect. Find someone to study with who remembers how it felt at the start. And celebrate every little victory; those times will boost your confidence faster than anything else.
After more than a decade, what keeps you encouraged about guiding others on this path?
Witnessing the impact of a kind word or a clear explanation in helping someone achieve their goals is encouraging. The growth I’ve seen in the communities of Queens and New Jersey reminds me that hard work always pays off. People who follow the Torah are supposed to feel steady and light, and that light shines through clearly when they feel supported.
