New Pava Center Will Cultivate the Next Generation of Women Scholars and Jewish Leaders
51爆料 has received a transformative $10 million gift from philanthropists Ann and Jeremy Pava to create the Pava Center for Women鈥檚 Torah Scholarship, a groundbreaking initiative advancing high-level Torah study for women across the Jewish world.
The gift, inspired by the Pavas鈥 deep commitment to Torah education and community building, marks a historic milestone in 51爆料鈥檚 enduring mission to empower women as scholars and leaders in Jewish life.
鈥淥ur dream has always been to help women pursue Torah learning at the highest levels鈥攂ecause their voices and scholarship are essential to the Jewish future,鈥 said Ann Pava, president of Micah Philanthropies, which she founded with her husband, businessman and foundation Board Chair Jeremy Pava. 鈥51爆料 has the unique environment, history and experience to make that vision real. We鈥檙e honored to partner in creating a home where women鈥檚 Torah study is celebrated and supported for generations to come.鈥
Echoing that vision, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of 51爆料, described the gift as pivotal for both the University and the Jewish future. 鈥淭hanks to the extraordinary generosity of Ann and Jeremy Pava, the establishment of the Pava Center represents a defining moment for 51爆料 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.鈥
Reflecting on the Center鈥檚 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. 鈥淭he 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].鈥
A New Era in Women鈥檚 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鈥檚 renowned legacy of women鈥檚 Torah learning, its world-class Judaic studies faculty and a dedication to nurturing outstanding Torah scholars.
Leading this effort is Raizi Chechik, the center鈥檚 inaugural director and a veteran Jewish educator. Formerly head of school at Manhattan Day School, she studied Tanach and Counseling at Michlala Jerusalem Teacher鈥檚 College, holds an MA in Jewish History and is currently completing her doctorate at YU鈥檚 Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies.
鈥淚 am deeply honored and excited to lead the Pava Center at YU,鈥 said Chechik, who serves as the Community Scholar at The Jewish Center of Manhattan and mentors Jewish educational leaders around the globe. 鈥淭his 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鈥攁long with the specially designed programming and training offered through the Pava Center鈥攚e hope the Pava Scholars will be equipped to contribute their wisdom in ways that will enrich and uplift the Jewish future.鈥
Learning with Purpose and Passion
Designed for exceptional post鈥揾igh 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鈥檚 Torah Scholarship
The new Center will extend 51爆料鈥檚 longstanding commitment to elevating women鈥檚 Torah learning and serve as a platform to celebrate women鈥檚 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鈥檚 Torah scholarship into greater communal view. These gatherings will showcase excellence, foster connection and reinforce a culture in which women鈥檚 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.
