“Historically, religion tends to ignore the changes which transform the world and the lives of men.” Some people criticize religious communities for not keeping up with the times. Others complain that their churches or synagogues …
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Religion Has Come a Long Way
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Remember Your Enemies
“Prejudice is an insult to the dignity of man, the child of God. It is contagious and like a brush fire can burn down a whole civilization unless it is stamped out right at the …
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A Modern View of the Kingdom of God
“We must move from charity toward justice which is the basic quality of God’s kingdom.” In this sermon, Rabbi Olan addresses what is arguably his core theme: how the Prophets called upon us to work …
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An Eye for an Eye
“It is of the utmost urgency for us to learn how to mete out justice with love.” In this March 10, 1963 sermon, Rabbi Olan addressed the question of responding appropriately to evil. What do …
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Man Need Not Fail
“To men of Biblical faith the Kingdom of God will be achieved and our task in life is to help.” In his sermon “Man Need Not Fail,” Rabbi Olan discusses the “bright vision of a …
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Those Who Say “What Will Be Will Be”
“Life’s uncertainties and frustrations, its bewilderments and mystery gives rise to the notion that what will be will be, it is fate.” Doris Day’s 1956 hit song, “Qué Será, Será,” was on Rabbi Olan’s mind …
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The Book of Lamentations—The Unyielding Believer
“The virgin Israel is fallen, She shall no more rise; She is cast down upon her land, There is none to raise her up.” In this sermon Rabbi Olan discusses the Book of Lamentations, a …
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The Book of Ruth—The True Love
“The Bible reflects the whole of life, speaking in moods cynical and doubting, as well as those of love and faith.” In this sermon, Rabbi Olan discusses the different kinds of love…love between men and …
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The Honest Doubter
“The Book of Job is one of the most majestic pieces of writing in all of literature.” In this sermon, Rabbi Olan walked his listeners through the ancient story told in the Book of Job. …
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A Gentle Cynic
“The gentle cynic of the Bible has no message for the oppressed and the beaten of life as do the Prophets.” In his sermon of January 27, 1963, Rabbi Olan starts from the view of …
Rabbi Levi A. Olan: The Conscience of the City 