New Pava Center Will Cultivate the Next Generation of Women Scholars and Jewish Leaders

Yeshiva University has received a transformative $10 million gift from philanthropists Ann and Jeremy Pava to create the Pava Center for Women’s Torah Scholarship, a groundbreaking initiative advancing high-level Torah study for women across the Jewish world. 

The gift, inspired by the Pavas’ deep commitment to Torah education and community building, marks a historic milestone in Yeshiva University’s enduring mission to empower women as scholars and leaders in Jewish life. 

“Our dream has always been to help women pursue Torah learning at the highest levels—because their voices and scholarship are essential to the Jewish future,” said Ann Pava, president of Micah Philanthropies, which she founded with her husband, businessman and foundation Board Chair Jeremy Pava. “Yeshiva University has the unique environment, history and experience to make that vision real. We’re honored to partner in creating a home where women’s Torah study is celebrated and supported for generations to come.” 

Echoing that vision, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University, described the gift as pivotal for both the University and the Jewish future. “Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Ann and Jeremy Pava, the establishment of the Pava Center represents a defining moment for Yeshiva University and for the broader Jewish community. It reflects our commitment to cultivating women who bring wisdom, compassion and spiritual depth to every aspect of Jewish life.” 

Reflecting on the Center’s mission, Rabbi Mordechai Willig, Rosh Yeshiva at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) and Rav of the Young Israel of Riverdale, emphasized its importance within the landscape of Torah education. “The Pava Center will undoubtedly raise the level of Torah learning at Stern College, helping students develop their knowledge, skills, and sincere avodas Hashem [love of God].” 

A New Era in Women’s Torah Learning 

Launching in Fall 2026, the Pava Scholars Program at Stern College for Women will stand at the heart of the new Pava Center as its flagship initiative, bringing together YU’s renowned legacy of women’s Torah learning, its world-class Judaic studies faculty and a dedication to nurturing outstanding Torah scholars. 

Leading this effort is Raizi Chechik, the center’s inaugural director and a veteran Jewish educator. Formerly head of school at Manhattan Day School, she studied Tanach and Counseling at Michlala Jerusalem Teacher’s College, holds an MA in Jewish History and is currently completing her doctorate at YU’s Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies. 

“I am deeply honored and excited to lead the Pava Center at YU,” said Chechik, who serves as the Community Scholar at The Jewish Center of Manhattan and mentors Jewish educational leaders around the globe. “This is a unique opportunity to strengthen our community by cultivating a talented and skilled cohort of women to serve as educators, scholars and leaders. By drawing on the exceptional Torah learning opportunities, rich Jewish Studies curriculum and outstanding role models at Stern College and throughout the broader YU ecosystem—along with the specially designed programming and training offered through the Pava Center—we hope the Pava Scholars will be equipped to contribute their wisdom in ways that will enrich and uplift the Jewish future.” 

Learning with Purpose and Passion 

Designed for exceptional post–high school women, the three-year immersive cohort program will combine rigorous Torah study, personal development and community engagement. Scholars will major in Jewish Studies and take courses at the highest levels, enhanced by chavruta learning, weekly colloquia and close faculty mentorship. Students will also gain essential skills in communication, teaching, entrepreneurship and public speaking, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to Jewish life. 

Generous scholarships will support each cohort of Pava Scholars, who will also participate in national and international trips connecting their studies to Jewish life in Israel, Europe and the United States. Each component of the program emphasizes ahavas Hashem and a devotion to the Jewish life worldwide. 

Showcasing and Celebrating Women’s Torah Scholarship 

The new Center will extend Yeshiva University’s longstanding commitment to elevating women’s Torah learning and serve as a platform to celebrate women’s scholarship on a national and global scale. Through annual Torah conferences, public shiurim, mentorship initiatives and programs highlighting faculty and student achievements, the Pava Center will bring women’s Torah scholarship into greater communal view. These gatherings will showcase excellence, foster connection and reinforce a culture in which women’s learning is deeply respected, widely supported and fully recognized and appreciated. In doing so, the Center will not only strengthen its scholars but strengthen our community for generations to come.