Empowering Interfaith Leaders
Shaping the Future of Spiritual Leadership
Elevate your path by joining a family of changemakers and experience a transformative journey at The New Seminary, where we nurture the next generation of interfaith leaders dedicated to fostering unity, practicing the “Ministry of Presence”, and deepening your understanding of how to build community across diverse spiritual traditions.
Become a Catalyst for Change
Our Legacy
A Tradition of Interfaith Excellence
Founded in 1981 by Rabbi Joseph Gelberman and Swami Satchidinanda, The New Seminary is the pioneering institution in interfaith education. Our mission is to cultivate a community that celebrates the oneness of all faiths. Over the past four decades, we have ordained over 3,500 clergy who are committed to promoting peace and unity. Our programs are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of various spiritual traditions, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect.
Administration
Rev. Dr. Michael J. Festa
Bishop & CEO
Dr. Michael J. Festa (CEO) has been with The New Seminary since its inception in 1981 with Rabbi Gelberman, ensuring a pathway of knowledge and enrichment for students of all faiths and backgrounds. With a distinguished background in health and community service, he is well known for his role as a Health Officer in New Jersey and his work supporting women in crisis.
Additionally, he is an experienced chaplain and a member of multiple health and community-focused organizations.
Rev. Dr. Jay Speights
Executive Director
The Very Rev. Dr. Jay Speights is an award-winning author, chaplain, spiritual coach, and the Executive Director of The New Seminary. He holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in Public Affairs from Howard University. Ordained through The New Seminary in 2005, he also earned the institution’s first Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), as part of the advanced degree programs he helped implement and integrate into the seminary’s offerings.
Dr. Speights began his career working on Capitol Hill and with various trade associations. He also served as an adjunct professor in Political Science at the University of the District of Columbia. As a writer, he contributed social, spiritual, and political commentary to The Washington Times Online Edition and religionandspirituality.com, often promoting the idea of fostering higher levels of interaction and understanding. His advocacy led to the Washington, D.C., City Council declaring March 20, 2010, as “Polite Day.”
In 2007, Dr. Speights received the Humanitarian Award from The Punjabi Literary Society for his commentary on the treatment of Sikhs. His second book, 7 Days With Adam, became an Amazon bestseller, reaching #4 in the Religion and Spirituality genre.
A DNA test in 2019 revealed Dr. Speights’ royal lineage. His research connected him to King Deka, the 9th King of Allada in Benin, making him an African prince. This discovery led to a reconnection with his ancestral roots and family in Benin.
Dr. Jay is currently producing a movie about the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, an American voting and women’s rights activist, and a leader in the civil rights movement. His acclaimed sizzle reel was recently featured at the 2024 DNC Women’s Caucus Meeting on August 22nd in Chicago.
Rev. Dr. Samora Smith
Associate Director/Temple Director
Rev. Dr. Samora Smith, a highly recognized and in-demand minister, coach, chaplain, author, speaker, musical artist, and healer is the Assoc. Dir. for The New Seminary for Interfaith Studies where she plays a pivotal role in promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation, and training of ministers and chaplains. As the Director of the Spiritual Coaching program at TNS, with her extensive experience as a certified hypnotherapist, QHHT, & NLP practitioner, Dr. Samora guides and mentors students on their spiritual journeys as coaches and leaders. In 2020, she became the Minister of Music for the Interfaith Temple (the ordaining body of the seminary) where she now serves as Director, utilizing her wide range of gifts to uplift and build community.
Her expertise also extends to the field of sound and vibrational therapies, as she holds the title of Master Sound & Vibrational Healing Specialist. Through her knowledge and skills in this area, she provides therapeutic and transformative experiences to those seeking healing.
In addition, Dr. Samora’s commitment to celebrating love, unity and community building is evident in her role as a multi-award-winning wedding officiant and relationship coach. Over the course of her career, as the founder of Common Ground Ceremonies in New York City, she has been featured on many TV outlets and in The New York Times and to date has officiated more than 3,000 diverse ceremonies for couples and families of all beliefs and backgrounds.
Driven by a deep sense of justice and compassion, Dr. Samora is a Certified Human Rights Advocate and the Cultural Arts Director for a native-led non-profit called PAZA, Tree of Life. She actively supports the advancement of indigenous knowledge and healing through cultural exchange. Additionally, she is a staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights, promoting equality and inclusivity in all aspects of society. Additionally, as a parent of a child on the Autistic spectrum, Dr. Samora’s passion for speaking up for the voiceless has become a bedrock of her ministry.
Raised in an interfaith and multicultural family, her multifaceted background and unwavering dedication to interfaith understanding, spiritual coaching, healing practices, and social justice make her a remarkable addition to the TNS legacy and an influential thought leader.
Rev. Dr. Gail Cantor
Dean of Students/Spiritual Coaching
Rev. Dr. Gail Cantor is an ordained Interfaith Minister and Chaplain. She is the Dean of Students at TNS and the Director of Spiritual Life and Belonging at Endicott College in Massachusetts. Dr. Gail is passionate about working to create an atmosphere of inclusion and belonging for her students and colleagues alike. She oversees and advises the faith-based communities at Endicott and also provides guidance for those exploring their spirituality in other ways. She promotes and teaches mindfulness practices to support her students and clients to become more self-aware, less anxious, and more focused. Dr. Gail is a renowned coach with extensive experience in leading her clients to the highest potential. As part of the TNS family, Rev. Gail is also a lead coach and lecturer in the Spiritual Coaching Program.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Lecturers & Supervisory Staff
Dr. Andrew Vidich PhD
Lecturer in Comparative Religion
Dr. Vidich’s courses in comparative religion are a cornerstone of our curriculum, providing students with a deep understanding of various faith traditions. He is an esteemed author, professor, and founding member of the NY Interfaith Council.
Rev. Dr. Raymond J. Lawrence
Chaplaincy Program Coordinator
Known as the “Godfather of CPE”, Rev. Dr. Raymond Lawrence is the founder and CEO of The College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP). He also served as Director of Chaplains for New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University.
Swami Bhajadananda Saraswati
Lecturer in Hinduism & Vedic Arts
Swami Bhajadananda Saraswati is a Mahant, Head Priest, Vice President, & Dean at Kali Mandir Ramakrishna Ashram, Ordained as Dasnami sannyasi/monk at Yoga Vedanta Kutir – Prayagraj and Dean and Senior Instructor at Ramakrishna Seminary at Kali Mandir.
Swami received his D. Min in Applied Theology with The New Seminary for Interfaith Studies in 2018.
Heather Roan Robbins
Lecturer in Intuitive Arts
Heather Roan Robbins is a writer, ceremonialist, astrologer and palmist committed to bringing high-quality intuitive arts to the public in an accessible and useful format. She is the author of the Starcodes Astro Oracle Deck, Moon Wisdom, and Everyday Palmistry and has been writing the weekly column Starcodes for 30 years. Dr. Heather is also a Member of the Spiritual Directors International, OPA (Organization for Professional Astrology), ,NCGR (National Council for Geocosmic Research), and a Druid grade member of OBOD- Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids.
Delwin Fiddler, Jr
Native American Spirituality
Delwin Fiddler Jr is an enrolled member of the Lakota Sioux Nation-Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Sans Arc Band. Delwin is a world-renowned Champion Grass & Hoop dancer and a cultural ambassador. He has performed for the Royal Family and multiple sitting US presidents at the White House. He founded PAZA, Tree of Life, a non-profit to raise awareness and support struggling indigenous communities.
Delwin “Hehakapa Mahto” Fiddler received an Honorary Doctorate from TNS in 2022 for his organization’s relief work provided to the reservations across the nation during the COVID lockdowns.
What Our Community Says
“The New Seminary has profoundly impacted my spiritual journey. The diverse perspectives and deep connections I’ve made here have enriched my life beyond measure.” – Rev. Anna Smith, Class of 2020
“As a student, I felt supported and inspired by the faculty. The seminary’s commitment to interfaith dialogue has broadened my understanding and appreciation of different faiths.” – Dr. John Lee, Class of 2018
“Ordination through The New Seminary has opened doors for me to serve in various capacities. The education and training I received were exceptional.” – Imam Aisha Khan, Class of 2015
Join Our Diverse Community of Faith Leaders
Are you ready to take the next step in your spiritual journey? Apply now to our programs or reach out to learn more about how The New Seminary can help you achieve your goals. We offer a variety of degrees and certificates designed to empower and inspire.
