Rabbi Levi A. Olan: The Conscience of the City

“Whether we choose it or no, we will live on after we die. The question really is one of quality and character. How shall we affect tomorrow by our lives, for affect it we must.” …

“We are in a frightful danger of becoming accustomed to living with war as a normal way of life.” In his sermon of October 9, 1966, Rabbi Olan develops two images: the blowing of the …

“If time passes quickly for us and we are not aware of it, we assume that we have had a good time. We have escaped boredom. The goal for us, it seems, is to be …

“Is there anything which is right or wrong for all time and in all places?” In his sermon of April 17, 1966, Rabbi Olan begins his quest for a universal moral standard by acknowledging that …

“Our day is very ominous and there are dark hours when we seem doomed to extinction. It will take a miracle to save us. But we no longer can expect a miracle. What hope is …

“Each person is a unique creation and is important because he is especially the work of the Creator. This gives him dignity and worth; it speaks of his significance and calls for respect. It is …

“We… will make decisions in our personal lives and for the nation…. Let us be as sure as we can possibly be that the consequences are those we want.” We have all played the game …

“Moses commanded the people, ‘And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop and dip it into the blood, and strike the lintels and the two side-posts of your houses.’” Rabbi Olan makes a simple point …