Nice to Meet Jew

Chaviva Kleinman - Orthodox Jewish Monsey Native

In this episode of Nice to Meet Jew, Ava sits down with Chaviva, a young Orthodox Jewish woman from Monsey, New York, to talk about faith, family, and finding spirituality in everyday life. Chaviva shares what it’s like growing up in a tight-knit religious community, the meaning and magic of Shabbat, how dating works in the Orthodox world, and the joys and challenges of newly married life. With warmth and honesty, she opens a window into a world where tradition anchors everything — and shows how personal, joyful, and individual a religious life can truly be.

Nina Bartell - Knicks City Dancer & Entrepreneur

In this episode of Nice to Meet Jew, Ava speaks with Nina Bartell, a professional dancer and entrepreneur who found her way from Julliard to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden as a Knicks City Dancer. Nina opens up about balancing her Jewish identity with the intensity of the dance world, and how she built confidence and purpose both on and off stage. From body image to business ventures, Nina shares her journey of passion, self-discovery, and living by her values — with a little sparkle and a lot of hustle.

Kwame Campbell - Black, Gay, Jewish by Choice & Fashion-forward Investor Professional

In this episode of Nice to Meet Jew, Ava talks with Kwame Campbell, a Black, gay, and Jewish investment professional whose journey to Judaism began with one simple act of kindness. Growing up in the South and later studying at Brown University, Kwame found belonging through Jewish friends who opened their homes and hearts to him. He shares how those experiences — and the decision to formally convert during the pandemic — shaped his faith, identity, and commitment to community. From fashion to faith, Kwame’s story is about intersectionality and the power of choosing where you belong.

Jack Waksal - 101-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor & Holocaust Educator

In this episode of Nice to Meet Jew, Ava meets Holocaust survivor Jack Waksal, who at 101-years-old shares his remarkable story of survival, love, and resilience. Jack recounts escaping from a Nazi labor camp, hiding in the forest, and reuniting with his childhood friend Sabina, who would become his wife of 65 years. Together they built a new life in America, turning tragedy into hope. Through Jack’s words, Ava reflects on what it means to carry Jewish memory forward and find strength in connection, even after unimaginable loss.

Azadeh de Leon - Iranian Jew & Media Executive

In this episode of Nice to Meet Jew, Ava speaks with Azadeh De Leon, a media executive who grew up Jewish in post-revolution Iran and now lives in Canada. Azadeh shares her family’s incredible story of activism, imprisonment, and escape, and reflects on how those experiences shaped her Jewish identity and worldview. From childhood memories in Iran to producing the documentary Rebound about Yeshiva University’s basketball team, Azadeh’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and connection, showing how identity can bridge cultures, histories, and generations.

Stacey Bendet - Fashion Designer & Founder of Alice + Olivia

In this episode of Nice to Meet Jew, Ava sits down with fashion designer and Alice + Olivia founder Stacey Bendet. They talk about Stacey’s unconventional path to building a global fashion brand, the Jewish roots of the garment industry, and what it means to lead with resilience, creativity, and pride. From family stories to bold stands on social issues, Stacey shares how her Jewish identity shapes her life, her work, and the legacy she hopes to pass on.

Seth Herzog - Stand-Up Comedian & Comedy Writer

In this episode of Nice to Meet Jew, Ava sits down with comedian and Tonight Show writer Seth Herzog for a hilarious and thoughtful conversation about comedy, identity, and what it means to be a “Jewish comic.” From his days performing in New York’s downtown clubs to being resident comedian for NBC's Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Seth reflects on how Jewish humor shaped American entertainment — and why he doesn’t see his own act as defined by it. With sharp wit and warmth, he and Ava explore where humor meets heritage, and how laughter itself can be a form of resilience.

Rose Weinbaum - Environmental Educator & Guide

In this episode of Nice to Meet Jew, Ava talks with naturalist and environmental educator Rose Weinbaum. From her communal life in the mountains of Colorado to her work guiding hikes and teaching kids about the natural world, Rose shares how living close to nature has shaped her perspective on community, Judaism, and hope for the future. Together they explore the connections between environmentalism and Jewish values like tikkun olam, and what it means to build a life rooted in both purpose and wonder.