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 HaShavua Vayishlach Bereshit 32:4 - 36:43
Jacob leaves Charan and journeys homeward with his family and his livestock in the hope of reconciling with Esau. He learns that his brother is on his way to meet him, accompanied by 400 armed men. A fearful Jacob sends a large gift of livestock to appease him.
Jacob wrestles in the night with an angel, whom he vanquishes. The angel bestows on him the name Israel.
Jacob approaches Esau humbly, and the two meet and embrace warmly. Jacob settles his family near Shechem. The prince of the land abducts his daughter, but loves her, and asks for her bride price. In response, her brothers Simeon and Levi require circumcision of all Hivite males, a condition which is agreed upon. As the men lie suffering after the procedure, Dina’s brothers attack and kill them all, in an act of retribution for the defilement of their sister.
Jacob journeys on. Rachel dies giving birth to her second son, Benjamin. She is buried in a roadside grave near Bethlehem. Jacob is reconciled to his father, Isaac. HaShem appears to Jacob, affirming that his name is now Israel, and that his descendants will be nations and kings.
The parashah recounts Esau’s wives, children, and grandchildren, as well as the family histories of the people of Seir, and the kings who ruled Edom.
Yemenite Night
With over 200 attendees, MDSC's Yemenite Night was a rousing success! Guests enjoyed food, film, music and more, celebrating Jewish life and history in Yemen. Keep an eye out for more cultural celebrations in the coming months.
