Pava Center for Women’s Torah Scholarship

פִּֽיהָ פָּתְחָה בְחָכְמָה, וְתֽוֹרַת חֶֽסֶד עַל לְשׁוֹנָהּ

The Pava Center for Women’s Torah Scholarship will provide a vibrant home for serious Torah study, substantive mentorship, and sustained intellectual growth for exceptional young women, grounded in Yeshiva University’s values of ahavat Torah and yirat Shamayim. Established through a transformative gift from Micah Philanthropies, the Center reflects Yeshiva University’s commitment to advancing high-level women’s Torah learning.

Serving as a dynamic setting for advanced study, faculty engagement and community programming, the Center draws on the outstanding Torah educators and curriculum at Stern College for Women to nurture the next generation of teachers, scholars and leaders. Through rigorous learning, mentorship and leadership training, the center encourages students to deepen their knowledge, strengthen their skills and make impactful contributions to Jewish life.

Overview

At the heart of the Pava Center lies the Pava Scholars Program, a rigorous three-year cohort program for post-high-school women with strong motivation, intellectual curiosity and a desire to play meaningful roles within the Jewish community.

Pava Scholars major in Jewish Studies and choose a concentration in either Tanach, Halacha/Gemara, Jewish Philosophy or Jewish History. Through advanced coursework, chavruta learning, weekly colloquia and close faculty mentorship, students gain the tools to analyze complex texts and broaden their understanding of and connection to Torah.

Designed for serious students who wish to grow in both learning and character, the program integrates high-level Torah study with opportunities for teaching, community involvement and national and international enrichment experiences. With its blend of academic rigor, personal guidance and deep Jewish engagement, the Pava Scholars Program prepares its graduates to inspire and uplift the Jewish future.

ELIGIBILITY

The Pava Scholars Program seeks gifted young women distinguished by their passion for Torah, dedication to personal growth and potential for leadership.

Applicants are either high school seniors or post-high-school women studying in Israel and engaged in advanced Torah learning before beginning their studies at Stern College.

Applicants are evaluated based on three key areas:

Demonstrated Passion for Advanced Torah Study

Reflected through thoughtful application essays and prior achievements in learning. 

Textual Skills & Academic Excellence

Assessed through academic transcripts, teacher recommendations and a personal interview including a textual proficiency component.

Leadership & Community Impact

Highlighted through essays and letters of recommendation that reflect initiative, influence and commitment to service.

BENEFITS

Advanced Torah Study

Intensive coursework in Jewish Studies
Weekly chavruta learning in the Beren Campus Beit Midrash
Honors-level and beit midrash–style classes guided by YU’s Judaic studies faculty
Colloquia and chaburot led by faculty, guest scholars and the Pava Scholars themselves

Mentorship & Personal Growth

Close relationships with faculty mentors
Individualized support for intellectual, spiritual and leadership development
Guided pathways into careers in education, Jewish communal work, Torah scholarship and beyond

Leadership Development

Seminars in public speaking, writing, communication and creative problem-solving
Structured community engagement and teaching opportunities
Exposure to leading scholars and Jewish educators

National & Global Engagement

Study trips across Israel, Europe and the United States
Encounters with national and global Jewish communities and leaders
A professional network that endures far beyond graduation

Academic Expansion

Access to graduate-level coursework through YU’s Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, Graduate Program in Advanced Talmudic and Tanach Studies or Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education during the third year
A June zman option for dual majors
Opportunities to publish, present and showcase original Torah scholarship
Generous financial support: Scholars are awarded a $25,000 annual scholarship to ensure full participation in all program components

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

MEET OUR STAFF

Raizi Chechik

— Inaugural Program Director

A respected scholar and leader in women’s Torah education, Raizi Chechik brings decades of experience teaching, mentoring, and guiding young women. The former 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 Yeshiva University’s Bernard Revel Graduate School.

She also serves as Community Scholar at The Jewish Center of Manhattan. Her vision and warmth elevate the Pava Scholars Program and set the foundation for its excellence.

Annette (Neti) Penstein

— Assistant to the Director

Neti Penstein teaches Gemara, Halacha and Jewish Philosophy at Stern College for Women, where she studies in GPATS while pursuing a doctorate in Jewish philosophy at the Bernard Revel Graduate School. An honors graduate of Princeton University and the recipient of numerous academic awards and honors, Neti holds master’s degrees in Talmud, Jewish Law and Jewish Philosophy, and previously studied at the Migdal Oz Beit Midrash for Women.

Apply today

Pava Center for Women’s Torah Scholarship at Yeshiva University