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Daniel graduated from Cornell University with a degree in psychology and began his career processing payroll at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. He later attended NYU’s Graduate School of Film and Television Production, where his classmates included Spike Lee and Ang Lee. For the next eight years, he worked in New York’s film and TV industry, freelancing as a writer, producer, director and editor.

He then became Post-Production Supervisor at NBA Entertainment, where he created several award-winning videos, including Michael Jordan: Come Fly with Me and HBO’s History of the NBA. In the 1990s, Daniel joined Time Warner as Production Manager for its Pay-Per-View division, contributing to the launch of its first fiber-optic digital cable system. This led to a move to Orlando, where he served as Director of Consumer Interface for the world’s first video streaming service—years before Netflix began streaming.

After relocating to Alameda, Daniel transitioned into sleep medicine and launched his own company, SomniHealth. He and his wife Laura joined Temple Israel in 1998, and their children, Hannah and Jordan, became B'nei Mitzvah by Rabbi Allen Bennett. 

Daniel's ties to Temple Israel run deep. He looks forward to using his skills in project management and office administration to help our community stay informed and thrive. He also loves using his e-bike for his 4-mile shoreline and lagoon commute to the Temple.

Rabbi Steven Chester is married to Leona. They were married in 1969 and have two children, Adam and Shira. Adam and his wife, Keng, are the parents of Rabbi and Leona's granddaughters, Anna and Amanda.  Shira and her husband, Daniel, are the parents of Rabbi and Leona's granddaughter, Trinity.