We profess noble ideals but in practical life adhere to something far less. In this sermon of February 27, 1966, Rabbi Olan isn’t talking about a double life in the context of a marriage, but …
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Why Do People Live Double Lives?
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The Modern False Messiah
“Science is itself becoming a new superstition, a false Messiah.” Rabbi Olan was not anti-science. In fact, he was clearly in awe of it. However, in his February 20, 1966 sermon Olan wanted to challenge …
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Short-Cut to Success
In his sermon of February 13, 1966, Rabbi Olan returns to a favorite theme that he had developed in “On Taking the Shortest Route” (January 31, 1965): he argues that God instructed Moses to lead …
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For a Time Like This
The first half of this week’s sermon, written January 30, 1966, is about the end of the world, and with his usual timelessness, Rabbi’s Olan’s words feel at least as relevant today as they must …
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Let Us Resolve
“An intelligent guilt can be a stimulus and a guide.” January 17, 1965 As 1965 began, Rabbi Olan contemplated the meaning and relevance of New Year resolutions. Are they useless exercises or helpful aspirations? In …
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What the New Year Holds in Store
“ If there is a moral law in the universe, then if we choose the right we shall achieve the good.” In his sermon of January 23, 1966, Rabbi Olan begins by making it clear …
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What a Beginning!
“In a world that is never finished, there is always hope, and hope is the greatest good of all.” In his sermon of January 16, 1966, Rabbi Olan says that the creation of the world …
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On These Foundations
This week’s sermon finds us entering 1966 (January 9), still in the midst of the civil rights movement, as Rabbi Olan reminds us that the prophetic faith “begins with the declaration that each person is …
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Is Anyone Listening?
“When we pray, is anyone listening?” “Indeed, it is almost impossible for a modern today to accept the belief in a God who listens to and answers the prayers of one person on earth.” In …
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The Greatest Story Ever Told
“The distinguishing characteristic of the Bible as it speaks of all of life is the recognition that the secular and profane must come under the control of the sacred.” In this sermon of December 19, …
Rabbi Levi A. Olan: The Conscience of the City 