Adina Ellis

Adina Ellis is a Torah educator specializing in Tanach and machshava with over two decades of teaching experience.

Since 2021, she has been the writer of Matan's Sarah Litton z"l Monthly Emunah Essay Series, exploring themes of faith as they unfold through the Jewish year.

An alumna of the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute and the Midreshet Lindenbaum Educator's Fellowship, Adina has taught shiurim in Hebrew and English in her community, at OU seminars and programs, and at Matan branches. Her teaching is characterized by passionate engagement with a wide range of sources, inspiring students through real-world connections and practical applications that resonate with modern life.

Holding a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University, she brings unique psychological insights to her textual analysis, meeting students where they are and fostering deep, accessible engagement with Torah texts.

Torah Education Experience

Writer: Sarah Litton z"l Monthly Emunah Essay Series

Matan - The Sadie Rennert Women's Institute for Torah Studies

2021 - Present

Writer for monthly essay series exploring thoughts about emunah as we travel through the year

Women's Torah Lecturer

Matan - The Sadie Rennert Women's Institute for Torah Studies

2024 - Present

Delivered lecture series on Sefer Shoftim and Personalities in Tanach at different Matan branches

Educator, OU Women's Initiative

OU Israel Center

2019 - Present

Taught Rosh Chodesh and Nach Yomi shiurim, as well as machshava seminar for the post-College students at the Alit Summer Learning Program

Tanach Course Writer

Herzog College

2022 - 2024

Contributed with composition and editing of curriculum, activities and educational material for Master's level course for Tanach teachers

Tanach Teacher

Community Education

2006 - Present

Taught weekly parashat hashavua classes and Tanach courses in local communities

Original artwork by Adina Ellis
Original artwork by Adina Ellis

Education

Bellows Eshkolot Educators Fellowship

Matan - The Sadie Rennert Women's Institute for Torah Studies

Jerusalem, Israel · 2019–2020

Educators Fellowship

Midreshet Lindenbaum

Jerusalem, Israel · 2006–2007

Post High School Seminary

Midreshet Mevasseret Yerushalayim

Jerusalem, Israel · 1998–1999

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Tufts University

2002–2004

Bachelor of Science

Exercise Science & Hebraic Studies

Rutgers University · 1999–2002

Occupational Therapy

In addition to Torah education, Adina has professional training and experience in occupational therapy, having worked with diverse populations including:

Pediatric Therapy

Pre-school and school-aged children with developmental delays and sensory integration challenges

Geriatric Care

Orthopedic rehabilitation, ADLs, home modifications, and independent living skills

Mental Health

Outpatient treatment for children and teens, including parental coaching

This background in therapy and education brings unique insight to her Torah teaching, emphasizing practical application, meaningful engagement, and meeting students where they are.