Surprised by Scripture
In our studies, we explore everything from fun linguistic elements to the greater mysteries of life. Each moment of study is an invitation to offer a hand, and walk with people through the questions and revelations. To sit beside them as they wrestle and discover the timeless abundance hidden in the text.
—Holly Ullman
We are excited to be hosting our third season of Scripture Circles with Rabbi Noah and his wife and co-lead Holly later this month. I sat down for a conversation with them to help you get to know them better, learn what they enjoy about leading these studies, and what they’ve been pondering lately.
What would you like people to know about your story?
Noah: I grew up with the unconditional love of my parents and sister. Knowing this to the very core of my whole being. They reflected God's love for them in how they loved me, and taught me how to receive. This has shaped me in many ways that I can, and cannot even begin to, appreciate. I want everyone in these spaces to feel seen and heard, known and honored, loved and encouraged.
Holly: I was raised in a religious family, but I didn't begin my own relationship with God until I was in my early twenties. This holy friendship has been the single greatest adventure I have ever embarked on. Since my own walk began later in life, it has led me to develop a deep love and compassion for those who are new to their faith journey, and those who are struggling with hurt or working through the process of deconstruction. To me, there is a great need and opportunity for tenderness in these spaces, and I feel honored to come alongside in such moments and celebrate as God reveals His heart through the study of scripture.
What do you enjoy most about leading Scripture studies?
Noah: I love diving into God's Word, exploring and wrestling with Scripture in sacred community. There is always more to see, learn, and think deeply about in our Bible. Sometimes, there are moments in a study where a person sees something differently and/or has a divine revelation. It is a gift to bear witness in these times. I am immensely grateful to God to have the privilege of leading these studies.
Holly: I've learned over the years that I'm a pastor at heart. The original priests were from the tribe of Levi. Levi, in Hebrew, means to accompany or attach. It brings me so much joy to study and teach the Word, and even greater joy to do it with people. In our studies, we explore everything from fun, little linguistic elements to some of the greater mysteries of life. Each moment of study is an invitation to offer a hand, and walk with people through the questions and revelations. To sit beside them as they wrestle and discover the timeless abundance hidden in the text. To accompany, to attach.
What's a word or phrase or sentence that you've been thinking or praying on lately?
Noah: I've been thinking and praying through the word ‘ענה’ (anah) in Biblical Hebrew. There is a lot of dimensionality to this word, with two of it’s meanings being ‘humble’ and ‘answer/reply’. Reflecting on how I am living, and sometimes not living, into the idea of this word well.
Holly: I recently came across a quote by Brother Lawrence: "It is not necessary to have great things to do. I turn my little omelet in the pan for the love of God." Though he is well-known today, Brother Lawrence spent much of his life doing simple, ordinary things. His way of living has changed the way I see my own life. It has been both a delight and a challenge to view every act, however small, as a sacred opportunity to love and experience the presence of God.
Noah and Holly have a true gift for bringing the words of Scripture to life, and those who have come before know how spontaneous, stimulating, and surprising these studies are. But don’t take my word for it. Read what others have to say:
Never been to rabbinic scripture study? Here’s what the people are saying:
“The Scripture study with Rabbi Noah was one of my favorite moments of engaging with the Bible. While I have studied God's Word for many years, Rabbi Noah added so much color to a scripture I thought I knew pretty well. We spent several hours just on Exodus 3, pondering the deep, rich meaning of places and words. I'm still thinking about the idea of "wilderness" and a new picture comes to mind when I envision the "burning bush.” Sitting with Rabbi Noah was a powerful experience. He is incredibly knowledgeable and winsome and has a deep love of people and passion for the Old Testament Scriptures that is contagious. I highly recommend it to anyone who is serious about studying Scripture in context, you won't regret it.” —ZR
“Rabbi Noah’s Scripture Circle was the absolute highlight of my year. Noah integrates his robust knowledge of biblical Hebrew and fresh insight into Scripture to craft a communal conversation that meets every member in the deep parts of their soul. I’d travel a great distance to hear him teach again.” —KR
Space is limited for each study. Learn more and register:
Rabbinic Scripture Study, Sunday, October 27, 5-9pm
Rabbinic Scripture Study for Teens, Wednesday, October 23, 5:30-9pm
