Our Covid-19 guidelines can be found here.
Welcome to our synagogue!
Magen David Sephardic Congregation (MDSC) is a Modern Orthodox synagogue founded in 1966. Our building is ideally located to serve worshippers from Bethesda, Rockville, and Potomac (Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC).
Our distinctive Sephardic character is a source of pride for us, but membership in MDSC is not exclusive. Visitors may hear not only “Welcome” but “Bienvenue” and “Bienvenidos” – and from our many Israeli members, a hearty “Shalom”. In this diverse and vibrant environment, a biseleh Yiddish is not out of place.
A more welcoming, caring congregation you won’t find. We think our energy and devotion will inspire you to share in our prayer services and learning sessions.
We invite people of all levels of Jewish knowledge and awareness to explore their personal growth here, supported by others in this warm, outgoing community. Magen David is the go-to gathering place for Jews of all ages, backgrounds, and perceptions.
We hope you will explore this website to learn about the life of our community and the breadth of our mission. If you're not already on our mailing list, it’s easy to sign up. Just send a request to our executive director, Andrea Choobineh, at office@magendavidsephardic.org.
Parashat HaShavuah Tetzaveh Exodus 27:20 - 30:10
The Children of Israel are told to bring pure olive oil to Moshe. The oil will be brought regularly for the use of Aaron and his priestly descendants, enabling them to kindle the everlasting flame in the Temple.
Priestly garments must be worn when the priests are serving in the sanctuary. All kohanim will wear a fringed tunic, a turban-like headdress, a sash, and linen breeches.
The High Priest, the Cohen Gadol, wears additional vestments: the efod, made of blue, purple, and red dyed wool; the choshen, a breastplate containing twelve precious stones corresponding to the twelve tribes; the me’il, a blue cloak with bells and decorative pomegranates on its hem; the tzitz, a golden plate worn on the forehead and bearing the description, Holy to HaShem.
HaShem gives Moshe detailed instructions for the ordination of the priests. Aaron and his four sons are to be initiated into the priesthood with an elaborate ceremony. HaShem also gives Moshe instructions for the making of the Golden Altar, on which the priests will burn the ketoret.
HaShem promises to abide with the people and to be their God.
We recently celebrated a Bar Mitzvah at Magen David (socially distanced, of course). Mazal Tov to Nathan and his family on reaching this beautiful milestone and for sponsoring a delicious Kiddush To Go!
