I grew up in a Modern Orthodox family on the East Coast.
But the day I set foot in Mishkon for the first time (less than a year ago, on Yom Kippur morning 5783) I felt like I'd come home. I saw people who were comfortable - not stilted and formal - with the prayers, and several went out of their way to introduce themselves and welcome me. I didn't stay for the rest of the day, but when I saw an ad for a special Friday night service with Happie Hoffman, I jumped at the chance to attend. I felt so at home that night, that after Shabbat ended, I immediately joined as a supporting member of Mishkon and have been in shul almost every weekend since then.
My journey so far at Mishkon has led me to purchasing and wearing a Tallit for the first time, getting an Aliya (called to the Torah) for the first time, and becoming an active part of the community. I'll even be leading the Musaf service this coming Shabbat! I was asked to join the choir and the Membership Committee and happily accepted both opportunities. I eventually plan to learn to read/chant Torah and Haftarah, as well.
Finding my place - and my self - at Mishkon has given me the opportunity to reclaim my birthright as a fully participating member of the community, like my father and brothers are in their communities. Additionally, for the first time in my life, I don't feel like an outsider. I am part of Mishkon, and Mishkon is a part of me.
