“The distinguishing characteristic of the Bible as it speaks of all of life is the recognition that the secular and profane must come under the control of the sacred.”

In this sermon of December 19, 1965, Rabbi Olan answers the question, is the Bible a holy book or simply a great piece of literature?  It contains the holiest of passages, but also stories of the most “profane” human activity.  He zeroes in on “The Song of Songs,” pointing out that in this poetic story of romantic love, “God is mentioned only once, and then as an epithet… How did it ever get into the Bible?” 

Listen to the sermon to experience Rabbi Olan’s understanding of this book that lies at the center of Judaism. 

*Written by Joshua Hirsch.*