Supporting Jewish life, education and artistic expression.

Ella’s Story

Ella Riley Adler was a radiant light. Her joy, creativity, and compassion touched everyone around her. Whether dancing across a stage, leading with quiet confidence, or laughing with her friends and siblings, Ella brought her whole heart to everything she did.

She grew up in Miami surrounded by a large and loving family, forming deep bonds that shaped her identity. Ella attended the Lehrman Community Day School, where she developed a strong Jewish foundation and a deep sense of community. She later attended Ransom Everglades, where she blossomed into a leader, artist, and friend. She was known for her quick wit, strong moral compass, and unwavering loyalty.

Ella’s true passion was dance. She performed in more than 100 productions of The Nutcracker with Miami City Ballet and became a driving force in her school’s dance team and theater program. On stage, she was magnetic, full of grace, energy, and intention. But she danced through life in everything she did, bringing that same passion to her friendships, studies, and sense of purpose.

Her summers were spent at Blue Star Camps in North Carolina, her true happy place. Year after year, Ella thrived in the mountains, forming lifelong friendships, gaining independence, and soaking in the joy of camp life. It was there that she felt most free, most joyful, and most herself.

Ella was deeply rooted in her Jewish identity and proud of her family’s heritage. Inspired by the resilience of her great-grandparents who survived the Holocaust and rebuilt their lives with strength and faith, Ella lived with a strong sense of purpose and compassion. She was active in her school’s Jewish Student Association and lived the values of tikkun olam through her actions, always finding ways to support and uplift others.

She loved her family and friends with extraordinary warmth and depth. She had a sharp sense of humor, a keen eye for aesthetics, an eclectic taste in music, and a deep appreciation for tradition. She was thoughtful, vibrant, and wise beyond her years.

Though her time with us was far too short, Ella’s impact was immeasurable. The Ella Riley Adler Foundation was created to carry her light forward by supporting the causes she cared most about: Jewish life and continuity, transformative education, and artistic expression, especially through dance.