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.