Rabbi Levi A. Olan: The Conscience of the City

“The failure of a good relationship to oneself lies at the root of much emotional suffering today.” In his sermon of April 18, 1965 Rabbi Olan argues that we cannot follow the Biblical injunction to …

In today’s strange and uncertain atmosphere, it is all but certain that many of us are less than thrilled with God. Why is there a pandemic? Why are so many people suffering? Shouldn’t God be …

“Hope is the central theme of the Prophetic faith.” Delivered 3 days short of a month after Bloody Sunday, and 3 years to the day prior to Rev. Dr. Martln Luther King, Jr’s murder, Rabbi …

“Worship is an art, it is full of symbols, art forms, music and poetry. It takes effort and will, desire and persistence to achieve the capacity to experience the beauty of holiness.” In this sermon …

“This is a moral universe and we must pay for what we want.” Take a moment to reflect on the question that Rabbi Olan poses in his title and come up with your own answer. …

“Much, too much emphasis is placed by parents upon preparing the child to live as an adult at the expense of his needs as a child. He need not be looked upon as always father …

“Once we grasp the essential meaning of our existence, we can respond to the injustices and inequities around us.” Rabbi Olan, in his sermon of February 21, 1965, opines that we may have accepted a …

“Something has gone out of our way of life which makes for increasing tension and anxiety.” Anxiety is the theme of this sermon of February 14, 1965, as it seems to be the theme of …

“Human existence by its nature cries out for chesed, loving-kindness. We need to receive it and give it if life in this dangerous world is to survive.” In this wide-ranging and challenging sermon of January …