Our HIP trip Tigers had an unforgettable first weekend in Israel—full, meaningful, and inspirational for the whole group! 🐯🇮🇱 They began with a stormy but powerful day exploring Tel Lakhish, a biblical-era city from the time of King Hezekiah, followed by an incredible visit to Kfar Beta Israel. Students learned firsthand about the history and traditions of Ethiopian Jewry, heard personal stories of the community’s journey to Israel in the 1980s, participated in a coffee ceremony and dance lesson, and shared a delicious lunch together. The day continued with a geological stalactite cave and a visit to the Biblical Natural History Museum, where learning about kashrut and ancient animals turned into hands-on encounters with bunnies, turtles, lizards—and a wide variety of VERY large snakes. The night ended with a snack of dried locusts… and yes, a surprising number of students tried them. Friday brought clearer skies and the start of Jerusalem. The group explored the City of David,...