Ann and Jeremy Pava have made headlines with their generous $10 million donation to Yeshiva University. This gift will establish the Center for Women’s Torah Scholarship, expected to open this fall. Their foundation, Micah Philanthropies, shared the news with eJewishPhilanthropy recently.
The Pavas are known for supporting initiatives for women in religious education. The new center will be part of Stern College for Women and will be led by Raizi Chechik, the former head of Manhattan Day School. “We’ve always dreamed of helping women achieve top-level Torah learning,” Ann Pava expressed. “Their scholarship is vital for the future of the Jewish community.”
This donation falls within a trend where Modern Orthodoxy is increasingly emphasizing female scholarship. In recent years, there have been many efforts to create and expand programs for women in rabbinical studies. Other significant donations to Yeshiva University this year include $36 million from the Wilf family and $15 million from the Morris Bailey and Joseph Jerome families.
Rabbi Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, praised the Pavas for their contribution. He remarked that the new center “is dedicated to developing women who bring wisdom, compassion, and depth to Jewish life.”
One highlight of the center will be the Pava Scholars Program, aimed at undergraduates over three years. Students will major in Jewish studies and participate in unique learning experiences, including study partnerships, weekly discussions, and mentorship from faculty. According to Micah Philanthropies, these scholars will also benefit from “generous scholarships” and opportunities to travel to Israel and Europe.
Raizi Chechik emphasized the program’s potential impact: “We’re cultivating a skilled group of women who can become educators and leaders. Our goal is to ensure they are equipped to enrich the future of the Jewish community.”
This initiative reflects a broader movement toward supporting women’s roles in faith communities. Recent surveys show that many younger generations are eager for female leadership and scholarship in religious settings. According to a 2022 report by the Pew Research Center, nearly 60% of young Jews believe women should take on more roles in religious leadership.
The rise in funding for women’s programs at Yeshiva University and beyond signals a shift in the landscape of Jewish education, aiming to empower and uplift future generations.
