Rabbi Levi A. Olan: The Conscience of the City

“It is not ours to forgive, only to lead and help people to begin their penitence.” In this sermon delivered April 2, 1967, Rabbi Olan describes the evolution from forgiveness through ritual in Temple times …

“Sunday school is more a kind of ritual or ceremony than an education for the answer to the question, ‘What is the meaning of my existence?’” In this sermon of March 26, 1967, Rabbi Olan …

“We are living in a real wilderness feeling frustrated, sick, and overcome by despair.” 1967 was not a beautiful year for many Americans. The war in Viet Nam was costly and getting costlier. Protests against …

““Religion is not an opiate…  It is a stimulant which awakens [us] to real living.”  In this sermon of March 12, 1967, Rabbi Olan begins with the question, what do people want from religion?  He …

In this sermon, delivered on March 5, 1967, Rabbi Olan makes pronouncements that were not popular in many quarters in his day, nor are they in ours.“Each religion has some truth, no religion has all …

“We are in the midst of a frightful war of death and destruction. It is time for the dirge, not the joyous dance.” As Rabbi Olan noted in his radio sermon of February 26, 1967, …

“The peace and welfare of any nation finally depends upon the translation of natural human rights into law.  This was evident to the founding fathers of America as it must become evident to us now.” …

Isaiah: “‘What mean ye that ye crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?’ saith the Lord.” In this sermon of February 12, 1967, Rabbi Olan preached openly about politics.  “The national War …

“It was once said that history teaches us that history teaches us nothing.” On February 5, 1967 Rabbi Olan spoke in somber tones about a problem facing individuals, families, our nation, and even religious bodies. …

“We must choose the right first, and follow it even if it means just I alone.  A minority of one and the right has always been the hope of the world.” In this sermon of …