“We are unwise when we reject those stones which are the chief corner-stone of our tradition.“ In this sermon, delivered on January 21, 1968, Rabbi Olan challenges us and himself to answer the question, how …
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On Rejecting our Fathers
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On Hanging a New Calendar
“As we hang the new calendar for the year 1968, the prognosis is not a cheerful one.” Rabbi Olan’s foresight was correct. 1968 turned out to be a year of conflict and calamity. He could …
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“Two Holidays–Two Religions”
In addition to being a courageous fighter for social justice, Rabbi Olan was also one of the leading theologians of Reform Judaism. It is in that role that we see him in this sermon, delivered …
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What It Takes to Live in Peace
“The television camera brings into my home a close-up of a boy blown apart, bleeding, his face twisted in agony. Television has brought that boy into my home, he sits at my table, he stands …
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What Do You Want From God?
“If we could meet God, we might ask Him the same question which Jeremiah put to Him. Why do the righteous suffer and why do the wicked prosper?” It is not an uncommon thought that …
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Some Things Are Not for Sale
“Maybe we should add an eleventh commandment—‘love thyself.’” In this sermon delivered on December 17, 1967, Rabbi Olan is concerned with the effects of mass market consumer culture on personal integrity. According to Rabbi Olan, …
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Marrying Someone of Another Faith
“Neither shalt thou make marriage with them… so will the anger of thy Lord be kindled against you, and He will destroy thee quickly.” Deuteronomy 7:3-4 Thus the Book of Deuteronomy answers the question of …
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Laughing at God
“We always have a great need for a faith which tells us that the impossible is possible.” Miracles were the topic of Rabbi Olan’s December 3, 1967 radio sermon. The “Laughing at God” title is …
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Youthful Rebellion Against the Old Morality
“A generation goes and a generation comes.” Rabbi Olan starts this sermon, delivered November 26, 1967, with the observation that “the world… is in constant evolution. Nothing stands still.” That makes youthful rebellion expectable, even …
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Losing Faith in Human Nature
“It is not too difficult to sympathize with God as He looks upon men* acting selfishly, deceitfully, in pride, with cruelty, and always with indifference. That He should conclude to wipe out the experiment and …
Rabbi Levi A. Olan: The Conscience of the City 