Rabbi Levi A. Olan: The Conscience of the City

“…honest men must speak and speak loudly when a crucial moral issue is at stake.” If today’s deeply divided national outlook concerns you, it should. If you think that the rigid polarization of the United …

“Happy is the man who… does not sit in the seat of the scornful.”  Psalms 1.1 In this sermon of November 5, 1967, Rabbi Olan contrasts the stance of scoffing at all morality and faith …

“If the world is just a machine which is bereft of purpose and meaning, then what can there be except terror, hopelessness, and defeat?” In this sermon of October 29, 1967, Rabbi Olan returns to …

“For those who love, there is no escape from grief.” On October 22, 1967 Rabbi Olan spoke to his radio audience about a difficult topic: the inevitability of loss and the helpful role that grieving …

“Except the Lord build a house, they labor in vain who build it.” In this sermon, delivered on October 15, 1967, Rabbi Olan directly addresses the question, what difference does it make whether or not …

“Tell me first about the successful man, does he pity and can he cry for those who suffer?” October 8, 1967 This is perhaps the most moving – and at the same time the most …

“Most religions… idealize a person who, by his life, shows us the God we cannot see. In this sermon, delivered on April 30, 1967, Rabbi Olan grapples with the question, how do we know that …

“What really matters in life is quality not quantity.” This sermon, delivered on April 23, 1967, is one in which Rabbi Olan’s personal voice comes through most clearly.  It is noteworthy that his celebration of …