We profess noble ideals but in practical life adhere to something far less.

In this sermon of February 27, 1966, Rabbi Olan isn’t talking about a double life in the context of a marriage, but “a more common form of double-dealing which effects most of us.  We profess noble ideals but in practical life adhere to something far less.”
Rabbi Olan talks about the ideals of justice and mercy in ways that are directly applicable to debates that are taking place in the U.S. today about raising the minimum wage and paying reparations to the descendants of slaves.
“One answer to our question is that ideals just plain cost too much.  Take the ideal of justice.  To practice it in our industrial life would mean to pay many men and women more for their work than they now receive.  Millions of people who work honestly and hard earn less than what is needed for decent living.  To do justice would mean less profit for some.”
(And look out for a little nugget about the moral dilemma of the preacher whose salary is paid by their congregation.)

*Written by Joshua F. Hirsch.*