Searching for the Divine – An Exploration of Jewish Theology | Rabbi Benjamin H. Spratt

Searching for the Divine – An Exploration of Jewish Theology | Rabbi Benjamin H. Spratt

Author: Vedanta Society of New York March 16, 2026 Duration: 55:18

In this lecture, Rabbi Benjamin Spratt reflects on the human search for the Divine through the lens of Jewish theology, exploring how uncertainty, questioning, and evolving ideas of God are central to authentic spiritual life. Drawing on Jewish thought and interfaith dialogue, he suggests that faith is not about rigid certainty but about a continuing journey of inquiry, humility, and deeper connection with the sacred.


Rabbi Benjamin Spratt grew up in Salt Lake City and was ordained by The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in May 2008, with a concentration in Jewish Philosophy. In his years at JTS, he received many awards and prizes in Talmud, philosophy, homiletics, and Bible.

Rabbi Spratt spent his early years exploring his Jewish identity. His Jewish journey took him through the Conservative, Renewal, Orthodox, and Reconstructionist worlds of Judaism before finding a home within the Reform movement. Rabbi Spratt now serves as senior rabbi of Congregation Rodeph Sholom. https://rodephsholom.org


🙏 Please Support the Vedanta Society of New York

http://www.vedantany.org/donate


🌐 Please Visit Us


📙 Books by Swami Sarvapriyananda


Lecture Series by Swami Sarvapriyananda

📓 Introductory Lectures: https://www.vedantany.org/introductor...

📚 Vedanta Scriptures: https://www.vedantany.org/by-scriptures

🧩 Lectures by Topics: https://www.vedantany.org/by-topic

💬 AskSwami Q&A: https://www.vedantany.org/ask-swami-qa


📖 Scriptures Taught by Swami Sarvapriyananda

   • Aparokshanubhuti | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Bhagavad Gita | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Brihadaranyaka Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriy...  

   • Dṛg Dṛśya Viveka | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna | Swami Sarv...  

   • Isha Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Katha Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Kena Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Mandukya Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Mundaka Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Vedantasara of Sadananda | Swami Sarvapriy...  


🪔 About Vedanta

Vedanta is among the world’s oldest spiritual philosophies and one of its most inclusive. Rooted in the Vedas, India’s sacred scriptures, Vedanta upholds the unity of all existence, the divinity of the soul, and harmony among religions.



Within the quiet sanctuary of the Vedanta Society of New York, a voice explores the profound depths of an ancient tradition. Vedanta Talks-Swami Sarvapriyananda presents the teacher's illuminating discourses, recorded live, which delve into one of humanity's oldest and most comprehensive spiritual philosophies. Rooted in the wisdom of the Vedas, Vedanta is not merely a historical subject but a living inquiry into the nature of reality itself. Each episode feels like a personal audience, where Swami Sarvapriyananda articulates core principles-such as the essential oneness of all existence and the inherent divinity within each person-with remarkable clarity and contemporary relevance. This podcast, offered by the Society founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1894, makes this expansive philosophy accessible, demonstrating how its timeless insights foster genuine personal growth and a meaningful understanding of life's biggest questions. The conversations naturally extend to the harmony found among all religious paths, providing a unifying perspective for seekers from any background. Tuning into this podcast is an invitation to reflect deeply, moving beyond abstract theory to practical wisdom that resonates long after each talk concludes.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 732

Vedanta Talks - Swami Sarvapriyananda
Podcast Episodes
Sri Chaitanya - The Love of God | Swami Sarvapriyananda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:23
Divine Personalities | Swami SarvapriyanandaSwami Sarvapriyananda’s offers an inspiring overview of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s life, from his early brilliance in Navadvipa to his transformation into a world-teacher of ec…
Gospel | Chapter 6: Oct 28, 1882 (Part 6) | Swami Sarvapriyananda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:10
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna | Swami SarvapriyanandaSwami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri…
9. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad - Mantra 2.4.13 | Swami Sarvapriyananda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:17
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, one of the oldest and most foundational Principal Upanishads of Hinduism, is being taught in this lecture series by Swami Sarvapriyananda. Belonging to the Śukla Yajurveda and forming the co…
8. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad - Mantra 2.4.12 | Swami Sarvapriyananda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:50
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, one of the oldest and most foundational Principal Upanishads of Hinduism, is being taught in this lecture series by Swami Sarvapriyananda. Belonging to the Śukla Yajurveda and forming the co…
Gospel | Chapter 6: Oct 28, 1882 (Part 5) | Swami Sarvapriyananda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:12
Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The tex…
7. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad - Mantra 2.4.11 | Swami Sarvapriyananda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:46
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, one of the oldest and most foundational Principal Upanishads of Hinduism, is being taught in this lecture series by Swami Sarvapriyananda. Belonging to the Śukla Yajurveda and forming the co…
Gospel | Chapter 6: Oct 28, 1882 (Part 4) | Swami Sarvapriyananda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:05
Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The tex…