Rabbi Levi A. Olan: The Conscience of the City

“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 …

“If you want to know what the character of a people is, look at whom they choose to honor for greatness. We are a people who admire success, fame, and power. We are not too …

“Dreams are testimony to our practice of rejecting some basic truths about our lives because we resent them.  They awaken us to the necessity of accepting the world as it is.” January 8, 1967 Rabbi …

“…When we do the wrong things we get the wrong results.  …If we live by the demands of righteousness, we shall bring the right results.” In his sermon of January 1, 1967, Rabbi Olan uses …

“Before we dismiss the idea of sin as meaningless to our age, we should try to discover its essential character.” In his December 25, 1966 radio sermon, Rabbi Olan spoke about sin and punishment. Both …

“We do not know who created the world or how it came to be. Scientists do not know and the Biblical account is a beautiful myth. We do not know what God wills of man, …

“Can any war be so holy that [it] warrants the horror it brings to so many innocent people?” Rabbi Olan courageously engaged with some of the most challenging and divisive issues of his time, and …

“The world is a dangerous place. The historic causes which have brought war in the past are present today.” Rabbi Olan preached two sermons that he titled “Why Men Fight.” The first was in 1963 …