The mission of this blog is to stimulate interest in the deeply perceptive and still-relevant teachings of Levi A. Olan (1903-1984) by sharing from the Levi A. Olan Sermons and Images at Bridwell Library Digital Collection. The title "Conscience of the City" was applied to Rabbi Olan by a Fortune magazine reporter in 1964. Although Olan's city was Dallas, his thought transcends locality. Our goal is to...
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A Case for the Older Generation
November 17, 1968 In November 1968, at the age of 65, Rabbi Olan addressed the generation gap and the younger generation’s call to never trust anyone over 30. As usual, he saw both sides of …
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Living Demands Wisdom
“The truth is that life requires more than knowledge. We need to become wise.” On November 10, 1968, Rabbi Olan spoke about the modern (and post-modern) dilemma of people being inundated with facts and information- …
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We have created great power
“We have created great power, yes, power enough to destroy all of life on earth. The primary question today is – are we mature enough, wise enough to control such deadly power?”
– Rabbi Levi A. Olan. From “Living Demands Wisdom,” broadcast November 10, 1968.
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Issues of faith and the coming elections
“We had better face up to the demands of justice, compassion, and brotherhood if we truly seek peace, order and life itself.” In this sermon delivered on November 3, 1968, Rabbi Olan uses the upcoming …
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Is There Anything Sacred Today?
“The heart of the religious experience is the distinction between the sacred and the profane.” October 27, 1968 Rabbi Olan observed in 1968 that this distinction was disappearing. He even saw the positive side of …
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The Gift of Memory
“What a blessing it is to remember.” In his October 20, 1968 radio sermon, Rabbi Olan spoke about memory. He began with a brief nod to the importance of remembering bad experiences and learning from …
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A Modern View of Judgment
“When we practice injustices we reap the whirlwind. …If we do justly, we can find enduring peace.” In this sermon, delivered on October 13, 1968, Rabbi Olan wrestles with the question, where will we look …
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Seeking Oneself
“Adam and Eve hid themselves from the presence of God among the trees of the garden. And God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?” In this sermon, Rabbi Olan stops calling …
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MLK
“Martin Luther King said just the day before he was murdered that if a man does not have a cause for which he is ready to die, he is dead already.”
– Rabbi Levi A. Olan. From “From Birmingham to Memphis,” broadcast April 28, 1968
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From Birmingham to Memphis
“The assassination of a public figure awakens us to hidden and neglected realities. The criminal killing of Martin Luther King, Jr. was such an event.” On April 28, 1968, Rabbi Olan spoke about the April …
Rabbi Levi A. Olan: The Conscience of the City 