Ann and Jeremy Pava Announce 10 Million Dollar Donation to Fund New Center for Women’s Torah Scholarship
Ann and Jeremy Pava have committed a 10 million dollar gift to establish a new Center for Women's Torah Scholarship at YU, scheduled to open Fall 2026. The Pava Center, which aims to prioritize and improve women’s Torah studies at YU, will be directed by Raizi Chechik, a longtime Jewish educator and former head of Manhattan Day School. The donation, made through the Pavas’ foundation, Micah Philanthropies, was announced by eJewishPhilanthropy on Monday, Nov. 24.
“The Pava Center will serve as the undergraduate home for women’s Torah scholarship,
anchored by the Pava Scholars Program,” Ann and Jeremy Pava told The Commentator. “Within YU, it will elevate high-level learning, offer mentorship, and train women as educators and leaders. Beyond campus, it will spotlight women’s Torah voices through conferences, public shiurim, a book award and other national programming celebrating and advancing women’s Torah scholarship.”
Ann and Jeremy Pava, president and chairman of Micah Philanthropies respectively, have long supported and funded several Jewish causes across areas including Jewish day schools, Israel advocacy and broader Modern Orthodox institutions. Their latest initiative creates a new opportunity for growth within women’s Torah study at YU.
“We have long believed that women’s advanced Torah learning is essential to a strong Jewish future,” they told The Commentator. “We see unprecedented demand from young women seeking serious Torah study, yet insufficient institutional support. This moment, when talent, need and opportunity are aligned, felt like the right time to make a transformative investment.”
The Pava Center and the Pava Scholars Program will be led by Chechik and Neti Penstein, assistant to the director. Chechik told The Commentator that the scholars program is designed to be “a rigorous, multi-year framework that combines advanced Torah study, close mentorship and opportunities for intellectual and personal growth.”
Pava Scholars will receive a $25,000 annual scholarship and must major in Jewish Studies with a concentration in either Tanach, Halacha/Gemara, Jewish Philosophy or Jewish History. Scholars will enroll in the most advanced course option available, such as honors and advanced courses. By their third year, they will also enroll in graduate school courses at Revel, Azrieli or GPATS. The program is structured to accept up to ten students each year.
According to the Center’s website, the program is “[d]esigned for serious students who wish to grow in both learning and character.” It will integrate advanced Torah study with exposure in “teaching, community involvement and national and international enrichment experiences.”
Regarding her hopes for graduates, Chechik told The Commentator that,“many will go on to work in education and scholarship and to play meaningful roles in Jewish communal life, while others will enter different professions while remaining deeply engaged contributors to their communities.
“What will unite them is not a single career outcome, but a shared commitment to rigorous Torah learning and a lasting sense of responsibility to the Jewish community,” she said.
Penstein expressed her excitement about joining the Center.
“When I was applying to college, this program is exactly the sort of thing that I dreamed of, and I feel privileged to be able to have a role in it now,” she told The Commentator. “I love how the Pava Center celebrates and encourages female Torah scholarship and gives students the opportunity to connect with one another through shared values and passions.”
Micah Philanthropies' 10 million dollar donation is an initial gift that will fund the Center’s launch and operation for the first years. “We look forward to working with YU to ensure the long-term sustainability and viability of the program,” a representative of Micah Philanthropies told The Commentator.
The Pava Scholars Program is currently accepting applications for Fall 2026.
“We are excited by the caliber of students who have already begun the application process,” Chechik said, “and are looking forward to a wonderful first cohort!”
Photo Caption: Beren Campus
Photo Credit: Yeshiva University
