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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 Vayetzei Genesis 28:10 - 32:3
On the way to Charan, Jacob sleeps and dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, with angels climbing and descending it. HaShem appears in his dream and promises that the land upon which he lies will be given to his descendants. In the morning, Jacob raises the stone on which he had lain his head as an altar. He pledges that there will be a house of God on the site.
In Charan Jacob stays with his uncle Laban, tending his sheep. Laban agrees to give him his younger daughter, Rachel, in marriage, in return for seven years’ labor. Jacob discovers on the morning after the wedding night, that Laban has deceived him by substituting the older daughter, Leah. Jacob agrees to work another seven years to earn the right to marry Rachel, whom he loves.
Leah gives birth to six sons and a daughter. Rachel remains barren. Rachel gives Jacob her handmaiden, Bilhah, who gives birth to two sons. Leah gives Jacob her handmaiden, Zilpah, who delivers two more sons. At last, Rachel’s fervent prayers are answered; she gives birth to Joseph.
After fourteen years in Charan, Jacob wants to return home. Laban persuades him to remain, this offering him sheep in return for his labor. Jacob prospers despite deceptions by Laban, and leaves stealthily, fearing Laban would prevent his departure with family and property for which he labored.
Laban pursues Jacob, but is warned by HaShem in a dream not to harm him. Laban and Jacob make a peace pact marked by a pile of stones on Mount Galeed.
Laban embraces his daughters and returns to his home; Jacob proceeds on his way with his family and flocks.
Celebrating Milestones at Magen David
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!
