Feb 14, 2022
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Steve Riback, a.k.a. the “Kosher Cop,” is a lieutenant in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Follow his journey, as his career path evolves from studying to be an educator, to working in a variety of different roles in a 24-year tenure in the police department.
While his professional future came into focus, Steve also found the yearning to deepen his Jewish roots. He and Ari discuss the challenges of bringing the face of Orthodox Judaism to a highly visible role in the community, as a public servant and protector of the peace. It’s a fascinating discussion of how to strike a balance between one’s personal faith and one’s profession in the modern world.
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EPISODE TIME STAMPS
2:52 Introduction – Steve’s formative years, growing up in Los Angeles
5:49 Steve’s early desires to study elementary education, then changes course
8:35 Steve explains to his family his desire changing to wanting to go into law enforcement
10:45 The reasons that drew Steve into wanting to pursue a career as a cop, and the process
13:54 Were there moments when he wondered, “What did I get myself into?”
17:24 A discussion of how the culture of policing has changed since Steve began his career
22:32 Steve talks about some of the various roles he’s had during his career in the department
24:22 Working in internal affairs, and the challenges of “policing the police”
28:35 Las Vegas, and how the city itself presents unique challenges for policing
32:24 A turning point when Steve realizes that his Jewish heritage demands more exploration
36:11 The realization that working as an undercover officer while practicing Orthodox Judaism will present some unique challenges
38:29 The difficulties of balancing a demanding job with his religious tenets; filing a federal lawsuit
44:24 Resources for connecting with Steve Riback
CONNECT WITH Steve Riback
More information about Steve Riback can be found on his website, including links to his book “My Journey Home”, available on Amazon, or for the Kindle.
ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.
The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.
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