So I Wore A Hoodie To Church And Waited For Someone To Say Something with Yoel ben Yisrael

Send us Fan MailA quiet hoodie, a crowded hall, and a long wait for words that never came. That’s the moment Yoel realized his soul needed something his community wouldn’t name. From a childhood inside the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society to a basement prayer that stripped away pretense, this conversation follows a raw journey through belonging, culture, and the courage to change.We unpack the early affirmation of field service and public readings, the high of baptism, and the grief of stepping away from a structure that held friends, language, and identity. In a multicultural classroom, Yoel discovered how incomplete his own history felt—and how honest questions can open doors polite faith keeps shut. Trayvon Martin’s killing became a turning point; the silence from the pulpit was loud enough to fracture trust. Together we explore empathy fatigue, the role of media in shaping outrage and despair, and practical ways to protect your inner life while staying human in public.Yoel shares how deeper study reframed scripture and history, revealing a resonant, melanated presence and a Messiah who dignified the marginalized. We talk about the kingdom of heaven not as a slogan but as an ethical blueprint—love your neighbor, honor your parents, refuse envy, reject cruelty—that anyone can practice. If you’ve ever felt your culture and religion pulling you apart, or wished we talked about hard things with more grace, this story will meet you where you are and point you toward hope.If this conversation moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find these stories. Your voice helps build the kinder world we’re all searching for.Connect with Yoel:Instagram: @leb_tahorPodcast: The Kingdom BesorahSupport the showLove Your LifeFollow Maria on Facebook HERE Follow Maria on Instagram HEREFollow Maria on YouTube HERE