Apr 1, 2005 -- Dr. David Pelcovitz, professor of education and psychology at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, was installed as the occupant of the Gwendolyn and Joseph Straus Chair in Jewish Education at an official ceremony in Geraldine Schottenstein Cultural Center on Thursday, March 31. The chair endowed by Moshael and Zahava Straus in memory of their parents, will be at the Azrieli School with a joint appointment at Stern College for Women.

“I would like to thank Moshael Straus for his generosity and vision and for the wonderful appointment of Dr. Pelcovitz to this chair. This gift will allow us to expand the vision that Moshael's leadership has brought to the school,” said Dr. David J. Schnall, Azrieli dean. “We celebrate the mandate, the calling and the mission of continuity of our people that this appointment will help make possible.” Dr. Schnall also lauded Jewish educators who dedicate themselves to serve the Jewish people and who are “the core that moves our university.”

Karen Bacon, PhD, The Monique C. Katz Dean of Stern College for Women, also thanked Mr. Straus for his "largesse that will enrich so many women." Chancellor Norman Lamm also expressed gratitude to Moshael and Zahava Straus for their gift and noted that they are the youngest benefactors of YU and presented them with a symbolic chair as a token of appreciation.

Mr. Straus, founding chairman of Azrieli’s board, secretary of Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and a YU board trustee, said he was personally honored that Dr. Pelcovitz accepted the position of occupant of the Straus chair. “We need resources to train teachers and rabbis,” he said, “and this is a very appropriate way to honor my parents.”

YU President Richard M. Joel invested Dr. Pelcovitz and described the critical role he plays in advancing Azrieli and its commitment to Jewish education. “In moving the university forward we needed a serious scholar, a professional and a ben Torah (an observant Jew) to spearhead efforts to help the Jewish community, which he has done throughout his career. We honor David Pelcovitz at the same time that we honor the Straus chair with David Pelcovitz.”

In graciously accepting the honor awarded to him, Dr. Pelcovitz said, “Moshael Straus epitomizes the mission I am about to assume: that of educating and serving the Jewish community.” He delivered the inaugural address of the Straus chair on the topic of “The At-Risk Adolescent in the Orthodox Jewish Community.” He concluded by paying tribute to the Strauses for “lighting lights of inspiration for the community, educating educators and helping parents to hug their children.”