While many people recognize Rabbi Daniel Sayani as the spiritual leader of Clearview Jewish Center in Whitestone, Queens, and the rov of Kehillas Mevaser Tov in East Brunswick, New Jersey, another important part of his work takes place quietly in nursing homes and healthcare facilities throughout the region.
Since 2017, Rabbi Daniel Sayani has served as Jewish chaplain at the White Plains Center for Nursing Care and its affiliated facilities. In this role, he visits residents regularly, coordinates religious services, assists with holiday observances, and provides pastoral care to patients and their families during times of illness, aging, and recovery.
“Much of this work is done at the bedside and in family rooms,” Rabbi Daniel Sayani explained. “It is where halachic questions meet real-world needs, and a calm presence can make a significant difference.”
A typical week for Rabbi Daniel Sayani includes traveling between his two congregations and the healthcare facilities he serves. At Clearview Jewish Center, he leads traditional Orthodox tefillos, delivers divrei Torah, and runs weekly classes designed for people of all backgrounds. In East Brunswick, he guides a warm, heimishe kehillah and offers practical guidance on everything from kashrus to community involvement.
He makes sure nursing home residents are never overlooked. Whether arranging a minyan for someone who cannot leave their room, coordinating Yom Tov meals that meet both dietary and religious needs, or simply sitting with a family during a difficult time, his chaplaincy work provides steady comfort.
Many residents and their families have shared how meaningful these visits are. One longtime resident at a Westchester facility told family members that having Rabbi Daniel Sayani stop by to say Tehillim or discuss the weekly parsha “makes me feel like I am still part of the community.”
Rabbi Daniel Sayani also extends this care beyond in-person visits. He created Zoom-based Torah classes and online shiurim so people who are homebound or recovering from illness can stay connected. These sessions cover practical halacha, the weekly parsha, and Torah values in modern life. Participants can join from their rooms or from home after a long day.
“People are facing real challenges with health and daily life,” he said. “We have to meet them where they are whether that is in a synagogue, a hospital room, or on a computer screen if we want Torah to remain part of their lives.”
His approach combines a strong commitment to halacha with genuine warmth. Residents know they can ask simple questions without embarrassment and receive thoughtful, sourced answers. Families appreciate that he helps coordinate everything from daily Kaddish recitations to proper holiday observance, always respecting each person’s unique situation.
Rabbi Daniel Sayani balances his roles as congregational rabbi, community educator, and healthcare chaplain with the same steady dedication. He continues to oversee kosher operations at his shuls, arrange learning opportunities for working parents, and remain available for late-night calls when needed.
Local healthcare administrators have noted how his consistent presence strengthens the spiritual well-being of Jewish residents. For many seniors who once attended synagogue regularly but now face mobility challenges, having a rabbi come to them makes a meaningful difference.
As the seasons change and spring approaches, Rabbi Daniel Sayani continues his regular rounds. He is already planning special Pesach programs and working with facility staff to ensure everyone can participate safely and meaningfully.
For families in Queens, Brooklyn, and New Jersey who have loved ones in nursing or rehabilitation facilities, Rabbi Daniel Sayani’s work serves as a quiet reminder that spiritual care is always available.
Individuals or families interested in learning more about his chaplaincy services or community programs can contact Clearview Jewish Center in Whitestone or Kehillas Mevaser Tov in East Brunswick. His website also lists his publicly available contact information and online Torah resources.
