Welcome to town: Daniel Feldman

By Benjamin Weiss

A little about yourself: I’m an actor, former military officer, entrepreneur, realtor, and, above all else, a husband and new father to Samantha and Raphael, respectively. I usually go by “Daniel” before I know people, but am fine going by “Danny” or “Dan” going forward. A Chabad rabbi at the Kotel once told me I should introduce myself as “Daniel.” He said the greatest part of my name was the last part because of its meaning. “Why cutoff G-d?” he said. That’s stuck with me.

How long have you been in Tucson? I’ve bounced back and forth between Los Angeles and Tucson for vacations but moved here in December 2020.

What brought you here? I was introduced to my now wife, Samantha Minkus, and drove out to Tucson to meet her and the rest is history. After we married in November 2020, we decided to move to Tucson to be closer to Samantha’s family, and we love it!

Compared to your hometown, Tucson is... Well, TINY! Los Angeles is a big place but can sometimes lack the heart of a town like Tucson. And as the word “midbar” implies, the desert speaks to me the way a big city just can’t.

Currently learning / reading: I’m currently back to the basics of Judaism: learning and relearning Chumash. I’m also reading a fantastic nonfiction book that reads like fiction called “The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America.”

A hobby: Ballroom dancing! I’ve competed for years and even appeared on a season of “So You Think You Can Dance.” My wife is also a dancer, so it’s a perfect situation: I have a built-in partner!

A favorite Mitzvah/holiday: Chanukah. As a former military officer, I just love the beauty of Chanukah as an example of Jews standing up for what is right. I feel like Jews are often pegged as weak, which is certainly not reality; it never has been. We’re tough people who bring light to darkness and that’s what Chanukah is all about.

A cherished Jewish memory: The Jewish memory that sticks out to me is fairly recent: my first time saying the Shema with my new baby boy in my arms. Holding him in my arms while davening just brings me to tears.

Jewish app on phone: One of those apps that give precise z’manim or times for davening every day. That app keeps me on top of davening.

Go-to Yiddish or Hebrew word: Well, I love to sleep, so I feel like I’m always telling Sami I could use a good shluffy.

A historical Jewish figure: Moshe. He was the ultimate Jewish leader. He led by his actions. He was stern but fair, kind, thoughtful, and brilliant. Most of all, he was selfless. He never wanted to lead, but when G-d convinced him to take up the mantle of leadership, he did so with complete ownership and poise.

Chabad: Chabad is the essence of selflessness. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing so many amazing Chabad families who do amazing, truly world-changing work - not just for the Jewish people, but also for the entire world.

Comfort food: Chinese food. No questions asked!

Happiness: Enjoying a Shabbos meal with my wife and son. Second to that, performing on a film set.

Kvetch: Bad leaders. I really can’t stand people in positions of responsibility who drop the ball and treat their people poorly. That’s the absolute worst. Leadership is about responsibility, not privilege. I also can’t stand bad French fries. I mean, how do you get French fries wrong?!

Kvell: My son, Raffi. I mean, have you seen the kid? He’s the best! Every time I look at him I kvell, even when changing his diapers!

I would like to be known for: I want to be known as a good man who built a family and brought a bit more light into the world. I want people to remember me fondly as a kind, generous man who always put integrity above all else.

Daniel and Sammy Feldman at the Bris Milah ceremony of their son Raffi at Chabad Tucson, October 2021