“The paradox of our existence is that we must lose our selves in something outside ourselves in order to experience our real selves.” November 24, 1968 The full title of this sermon could be “You …
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You Are Your Own Worst Enemy
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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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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 …
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The Role of the Artist
“This is the time for us to listen to the artist as he tries to tell us who we are and what we can become.” On April 2, 1968, the film 2001 A Space Odyssey …
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Levi and Bertha
Rabbi Olan and his sister, Bertha, in the 1960s. Image and identifications courtesy of Joshua Hirsch.
Rabbi Levi A. Olan: The Conscience of the City 