Faith, Independence and a Community That Grows With You
Student Snapshot: Mellie Black ’26
From nurturing belonging and community among fellow Jewish students to exploring the intricacies of Kabbalah, Mellie Black ’26 focuses on contributing and learning in meaningful spheres. The 1783 Scholar and Judaic Studies Prize winner shares what they’ve learned about independence, community and the intersection of faith and identity.
Hometown:
Arlington, Va.
Majors:
Religion and Judaic studies.
Clubs and organizations:
Hillel, the Milton B. Asbell Center for Jewish Life and Beth Tikvah’s Hebrew School.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
1783 Scholarship and the Dr. S. Ned Rosenbaum Endowed Prize in Judaic Studies.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience so far:
I have loved getting to see how the Jewish community at the Asbell Center has grown over the years I’ve been here. Every year we get an amazing batch of new freshmen who bring in their own traditions and flavors of Judaism that we can then incorporate into our community. Getting to experience and facilitate that has been so rewarding.
Best thing about my majors:
Since religion and Judaic studies are smaller departments, you really form a sense of community with your fellow majors and with the faculty. It’s amazing to be able to discuss religion with other people who are just as interested in it as I am, and who often have very insightful ideas to share.
“While every class is important, I think the most important thing to learn from college is how to be independent, problem-solve and learn whenever is necessary.”
Favorite class:
My favorite class that I have completed so far was Kabbalah with Associate Professor of Judaic Studies Nitsa Kann. I’ve been interested in the subject for years, so getting the opportunity to study it with such a learned professor was absolutely amazing. The class structure was unique, because we started every class with a meditation before breaking up into small groups to interpret and discuss small passages or make projects. For one of the last classes, our homework was to come in with a dream we had had so that we could interpret it as a class. I learned so much and had so much fun. I also started to figure out that one of my main interests is how religion intersects with gender expressions.
Proudest accomplishment so far:
Getting Jewish freshmen involved in Hillel and other Jewish-life activities, making sure that the Asbell community continues for generations after I leave.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
How to learn and adapt, especially in terms of how to deal with unexpected or overwhelming situations. While every class is important, I think the most important thing to learn from college is how to be independent, problem-solve and learn whenever is necessary.
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Published October 1, 2025