Rabbi Levi A. Olan: The Conscience of the City

“In very early times, men sacrificed the first born of animals and of man to the Gods in order that they may keep all the others. The God Moloch became the deity to whom men …

“If we ever learn to obey the demands of justice and love… then we can have peace and good will.” This sermon, delivered on January 25, 1970, is one of Rabbi Olan’s most challenging reflections …

“Trouble is often the base for the creative life.” In this sermon, delivered on January 11, 1970, Rabbi Olan further develops two of his most important ideas: first, that faith leads to greater agency in …

“Where love is, God is..” This sermon, delivered on January 4, 1970, is Rabbi Olan’s answer to the Beatles’ assertion that “All You Need Is Love” (released July 1967).  That would be true, Rabbi Olan …

“There are passages in the Bible that today appear primitive.” April 6, 1969 During the Passover season of 1969, Rabbi Olan raised a topic many of us have wondered about: the lamb shank on the …

“Wisdom in this hour would dictate the recognition that there are virtues and weaknesses in both positions [conservative and liberal]…  The truth is that we need both views for a healthy moral experience.” In order …

“Modern clergymen are paid by the laymen. They are in the almost ridiculous position of taking a salary from people whom they are called upon to judge in God’s name.” December 7, 1969 (Pearl Harbor …

“What shakes religious faith is the disappointment that comes when God fails to keep His promise.” November 23, 1969 What is that promise?  It was very important to Rabbi Olan that the “God faith”, as …

“Are we living at the beginning of the end of the God faith?” November 16, 1969 In 1969, the evidence suggested to Rabbi Olan that this might be the case.  And he wasn’t just talking …

As we read Rabbi Olan’s sermons every week, we notice a question which frequently comes to the fore:  What do you think is the good [we should] cherish most?  In other words, what is most …