Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

Jews You Should Know

Torah You Should Know 61 - Parshat Ki Tisa: Value Yourself!

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. -------------------- 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. Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or on Facebook. Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com. Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

Episode 176 - The "Kosher Cop": A Conversation with Steve Riback

Torah You Should Know 60 - Parshat Tetzaveh: The Spark Within

Torah You Should Know 59 - Parshat Terumah: Montgomery County Police and a Mastery Mindset

ABOUT THIS EPISODE Erica Brown is the author of twelve books on leadership, the Bible and spirituality, and is the newly named Director of Leadership at the nascent Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Center for Values and Leadership. Hear her fabulous life story on this episode! -------------------- EPISODE TIME STAMPS  2:30  Introduction – Erica’s childhood in Pittsburgh  4:15  Family background; Erica speaks about her grandparents time during the Holocaust  8:36  Life at Brandeis, and the beginnings of an examination of a spiritual path  10:53 Erica begins examining her Jewish identity in the context of the Holocaust 13:58 Growing up and making the decision to forfeit a scholarship in favor of studying Judaism 17:24 Erica discussed the importance of connecting with others and sharing one’s gifts 23:47 The decision to follow a career path centered on Judaism and Jewish education 27:23 Erica’s graduate education and early career 38:59 Erica discusses the intersection of religious traditions and leadership 43:10 Launching a new leadership center, the importance of honoring Rabbi Sack’s memory 49:47 Objectives of the new Rabbi Lord Sacks Center for Values and Leadership   CONNECT WITH Erica Brown More information about Erica Brown, including her many books and articles, can be found at her website: EricaBrown.com.  More information on the new Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Center for Values and Leadership can be found here, at Yeshiva University.   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. Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or on Facebook. Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com. Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!  

Episode 175 - The Bible Scholar, Leadership Expert and Rabbi Sacks Center Director: A Conversation with Erica Brown

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays

Torah You Should Know 58 - Parshat Mishpatim: The Illusion of Control

ABOUT THIS EPISODE Sara Yoheved RIgler is a person whose spiritual journey has taken her down an unconventional path. From her studies in India with a guru who was both a mystic and an acclaimed Sanskrit scholar, to her 15 years living in the oldest ashram in America, to becoming an observant Jew and moving to Jerusalem, Sara has absorbed wisdom from the many facets of her life. She is an acclaimed international lecturer, and has published six books, the most recent titled “I’ve Been Here Before”, which examines the evidence that those that walk among us may be reincarnated souls of Jewish children murdered during the Holocaust.  Provocative and thought provoking, Sara Yocheved Rigler is a “Jew You Should Know”. -------------------- EPISODE TIME STAMPS 4:10  Sara’s background, growing up in Philadelphia 4:51  College, then a trip to India, where she meets a mystic 8:36  Life at Brandeis, and the beginnings of an examination of a spiritual path  12:08 Sara returns from India, then joins an ashram in Massachusetts 14:56 Maintaining Jewish traditions within an ashram 19:55 Life and spiritual growth while residing at the ashram 21:11 Jerusalem calls, and with it, a new calling 41:29 Sara discusses her reasons for writing “I’ve Been Here Before” 45:50 The process of writing about relationships and personal growth 49:50 Discussion of upcoming projects, and the importance of acknowledging the soul and afterlife CONNECT WITH Sara Yoheved Rigler Information about Sara’s books, the Kesher Wife Webinar, and more can be found at SaraRigler.com.  Her latest book, “I’ve Been Here Before” can be found at menuchapublishers.com 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. Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or on Facebook. Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com. Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

Episode 174 - The Reincarnation Author, Biographer and Spiritual Seeker: A Conversation with Sara Yocheved Rigler

ABOUT THIS EPISODE Moshe Gersht has been on a spiritual journey most of his life.  As a child in Los Angeles, his upbringing was filled with ancient as well as new age wisdom instilled in him by his parents.  Finding success at an early age in a pop punk band, he soon had his first of several spiritual awakenings, and left the band to pursue a deeper spiritual truth. Moshe returned to Jerusalem, and has spent a decade and a half studying the Torah.  As his new calling came into focus, he recently appeared in a Tedx talk, and has written a book – It’s All The Same To Me – that made the Wall Street Journal’s bestseller list.  His quest for the deeper spiritual truths in our existence, and his commitment to sharing what he’s learned with his fellow man make him a “Jew You Should Know”. -------------------- EPISODE TIME STAMPS 2:44  Moshe’s childhood and upbringing in LA 4:00  The beginnings of a band at 13, then his family makes Aliyah at 18 6:28  Moshe’s family starts investigating their roots after the passing of his grandfather.  9:08  Musical beginnings for Moshe, playing the Whiskey-A-Go-Go 16:54 The band gains momentum, and gets major label interest 29:51 An existential crisis within the band forces a reckoning 34:38 Moshe begins questioning his life outside of the band and starts studying Torah 38:35 The difficult decision to leave the band, and enlightenment through study in Israel 46:29  Turning towards sharing his journey, via the Ted stage and through writing 52:43  The process behind translating the truths of the Torah in a nuanced, universal way 58:04  Connecting and sharing through social media, the TedX talk CONNECT WITH Moshe Gersht Moshe’s Tedx talk can be found on YouTube.  His Wall Street Journal bestselling book, “It’s All The Same To Me”, can be found on Amazon.  For more information, find Moshe on the internet at moshegersht.com. 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. Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or on Facebook. Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com. Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

Episode 173 - The TedXer and "Spiritual Influencer": A Conversation with Moshe Gersht

Torah You Should Know 57 - Parshat Bo: My Trip Was Canceled...Now What?!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE Rabbi Yehoshua Fass is Co-Founder of Nefesh B’Nefesh, an organization that has revolutionized the Aliyah process for over 65,000 Western Olim, assisting them in moving to Israel by acting to remove financial, logistical, and professional obstacles.  After receiving his rabbinic ordination, as well as degrees in biology and education, Rabbi Fass felt compelled to put his faith into action after learning of the murder of a relative in a terrorist bombing in 2001. Nefesh B’Nefesh has contributed greatly to the fabric of Israeli society since its founding in 2002, with Jews of all denominations, ages, and backgrounds seeking their assistance in the Aliyah process.  With a 90%+ retention rate, Rabbi Fass has been highly effective in helping Western Olim through the often arduous Aliyah process, and is a “Jew You Should Know”. -------------------- EPISODE TIME STAMPS 4:06  Yehoshua’s childhood and early beginnings 5:54  The death of a cousin in a suicide bombing brings a calling 14:41 How Rabbi Fass’ education in medicine and the rabbinate shaped him  19:44 The realization that Yehoshua had a drive to do something more.  Meeting his partner, Tony Gilbert, and the beginnings of Nefesh B’Nefesh 22:37  The Aliyah process at the time, and their efforts to improve it 30:46  The challenges of the immigration process 39:00  The steps one should consider if looking at the Aliyah process 44:52  Lessons learned in the growth of managing a non-profit 48:53  Some of Rabbi Fass’ most moving personal stories of those who have made the trek 53:02  The meaning behind the name “Nefesh B’Nefesh”   CONNECT WITH Yehoshua Fass and Nefesh B’Nefesh For more information about Nefesh B’Nefesh and their mission and programs, visit their website at Nefesh B'Nefesh, and Nefesh B'Nefesh on Wikipedia. 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. Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or on Facebook. Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com. Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

Episode 172 - The Nefesh B'Nefesh Co-Founder and Director: A Conversation with Yehoshua Fass

Torah You Should Know 56 - Parshat Va'era: Parshat Va'era: A Variant of Compassion

Torah You Should Know 55 - Parshat Shemot: Maddening Omicron and Jewish Destiny

ABOUT THIS EPISODE Rivka Ravitz is an Israeli Haredi political administrator, who has worked for Israeli politician and recent president of Israel Reuven Rivlin since 1999. As Rivlin’s chief of staff, she has traveled the world extensively, and has met dignitaries such as Pope John Paul II, President Joe Biden, and President Vladimir Putin.  As an ultra-orthodox Jewish woman working in the male-dominated world of Israeli politics, she has proudly maintained her religious beliefs while balancing the challenges of work with her 12 children. A fascinating woman with many interesting stories to tell of her time in politics, Rivka offers insights on striking a balance between one’s religious beliefs and the secular demands of the working world.  Join host Ari Koretzky, as he learns more about a “Jew You Should Know”. -------------------- EPISODE TIME STAMPS 3:20  Rivka’s beginnings, growing up in Jerusalem 6:29  A childhood in an ultra orthodox part of Jerusalem 8:18  Seminary school, beginning work as a teacher, and marriage at 18 10:27  Starting work in the Knesset for her father-in-law, as she starts bearing children 15:19  Navigating the world of Israeli politics as an Orthodox Jew 26:40  Balancing the demands of a growing family with an often demanding job 31:35  Working for the President of Israel, and meeting the Pope, then President Biden 47:55  Rivka discusses maintaining her personal values through challenging circumstances 53:39  Thoughts on her own children following in her footsteps 55:29  The future CONNECT WITH Rivka Rivitz For more information about Rivka Ravitz, visit Wikipedia. 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. Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or on Facebook. Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com. Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

Episode 171 - The Israeli President's Chareidi Chief of Staff: A Conversation with Rivka Ravitz

Torah You Should Know 54 - Parshat Vayechi: With Money On My Mind, Supporters Soothe My Soul

Torah You Should Know 53 - Parshat Vayigash: Be Right AND Be Good

Welcome to Jews You Should Know, introducing 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.

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Jews You Should Know

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