Aug 9, 2004 -- David Pelcovitz, author and nationally recognized authority on parenting, adolescent development, and other child-related issues, has joined the faculty of Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. In announcing the appointment, Yeshiva University President Richard M. Joel said Dr. Pelcovitz will assume the post of professor of education and psychology and will teach graduate courses on developmental psychology and psycho-social issues in the Jewish community. He currently teaches pastoral counseling and family education courses at the Bella and Harry Wexner Kollel Elyon and Semikha Honors Program at the university’s affiliated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS). He will offer these courses to all RIETS students. Dr. Pelcovitz will also serve as special assistant to the president on issues important to the Jewish community. Most recently, Dr. Pelcovitz was a clinical professor of psychology in psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine and director of psychology at North Shore University Hospital-NYU School of Medicine. He is a leading expert in family trauma, child abuse, and at-risk youth, particularly as these issues affect the Jewish community. For more than 20 years he has advised community agencies, schools, and families nationwide in the wake of tragedies such as school violence or large-scale sexual abuse cases. Dr. Pelcovitz has conducted education and parenting conferences worldwide and has led continuing education workshops on issues faced by the Jewish community for professional staff at organizations such as Ohel Family and Children’s Services, Chai Lifeline, and Hebrew Academy for Special Children. “We are most proud to welcome Dr. Pelcovitz to the core faculty of the Azrieli Graduate School. He joins our growing cadre of scholars, researchers, and practitioners in service to the Jewish community,” said Dr. David Schnall, dean of Azrieli. “His appointment is a major step in the strengthening of Azrieli and its commitment to Jewish education.” He will assist the president in bringing the knowledge, experience, and programs of YU to smaller communities and major cities both here and abroad, said President Joel, who called David Pelcovitz “a shining example of the exciting and evolving team that is building a premier school of education and an institution seeking to strengthen Jewish education.” Dr. Pelcovitz received his BA and MS degrees in psychology from Brooklyn College and a PhD in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. He has authored numerous clinical studies and chapters. Established in 1945, Azrieli’s mission is to advance the Jewish future through education at all levels. It is an international center for the training of Jewish educational leaders.