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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 Re'eh Deuteronomy 11:26 -16:17
Moshe tells the people, “I place before you a blessing and a curse.” The blessing comes when they fulfill the commandments, and the curse comes when they abandon them.
When the Israelites cross over into the Promised Land, they are to establish a Temple, “a place wherein HaShem will dwell” and where the people will bring their sacrifices. Offerings may be made in no other place. It is permitted to slaughter animals in another place, but not for sacrifice, only for eating. The blood, which in the Temple is to be poured on the altar, may not be ingested.
A false prophet, one who entices others to worship idols, should be put to death. An idolatrous city must be destroyed. Only kosher animals and fishes may be eaten, and a detailed list of these is presented.
A tenth of all produce must be eaten in Jerusalem, or else sold to those who will eat it there. On certain years, this tithe is given to the poor. Firstborn cattle and sheep are offered to the priests in the Temple for their consumption.
The mitzvah of tzedakah obligates aid to anyone who is truly needy, either as a gift or a loan. In Sabbatical years (these occur every seven years), all loans are forgiven. All indentured servants are set free after working for their masters for six years.
The laws of the three pilgrimage festivals include those of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. On these occasions, the people must present themselves in the Temple that they may "see and be seen" before HaShem.
Bulgarian Night
With over 250 attendees, MDSC's Bulgarian Night was a rousing success! Below are a few of the beautiful photos from the event. Thank you to everyone who helped organize, participate in and attend this wonderful cultural celebration.
