THE ISRAELUX TEAM

Tara-Leigh Cobble

  • Tara-Leigh, Creator and Host of The Bible Recap, is on a mission to help people everywhere read, understand, and love the Bible—and the God who wrote it! She founded Israelux to take that mission a step further—inviting others to see and experience the lands of the Bible for themselves. Having led dozens of tours to the Holy Land, Tara-Leigh’s greatest joy is watching the Word come to life for every Israelux traveler.

    FAVORITE SITE: Mensa Christi

Laura Buchelt

  • Laura Buchelt, known by our Israelux attendees as “LB”, has a heart for Scripture and discipleship that has grown deeper since she began vocational ministry in 2009. She began leading tours to Israel out of a desire to help people grow in their love for God and His Word. She serves as the Israelux Director and teaches at many of the sites on the tour.

    FAVORITE SITE: Mensa Christi

Abbey Dane

  • Abbey joined the Israelux team and took her first trip to Israel in 2024. Despite being in a new country, she described Israel as “feeling like home.” Abbey serves as the first and primary point of contact for all Israelux attendees and finds much joy in helping people plan their first trip to the Holy Land.

    FAVORITE SITE: Sea of Galilee

Bonnie Hartwig

  • Bonnie’s primary role is Director of The Bible Recap (TBR), Tara-Leigh’s ministry that helps people around the world read, understand, and love the Bible. She is continually amazed at the work God is doing to take TBR around the globe and transforming lives through His Word. Bonnie has led many tours to Israel and serves as an Israelux Bus Leader and Teacher.

    FAVORITE SITE: Garden of Gethsemane

Emily Pickell

  • Emily serves in many roles within the organization. She is a writer and the RECAPtains Manager at The Bible Recap. But she is perhaps most well-known for her role as “Miss Emily,” host of The Bible Recap for Kids Podcast. On Israelux tours, she serves as a Bus Leader and Teacher.

    FAVORITE SITE: Pool of Siloam

Emma Dotter

  • Emma has a passion for helping others know and love God’s Word. She serves as a writer and teacher for The Bible Recap, and also hosts TBR’s companion podcast TBR Deep Dive. She serves as a Bus Leader and Teacher on Israelux tours.

    FAVORITE SITE: The Garden Tomb

Sonya Higgs

  • Sonya Higgs is a bookstore manager and local church ministry leader based in East Tennessee. Having managed her family’s Christian bookstore for years, she views her work as both a legacy and a calling. Today, she is passionate about helping others navigate their own walks with Jesus.

    FAVORITE SITE: Old City of Jerusalem