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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 Chukat-Balak Numbers 19:1- 25:9
HaShem instructs Moshe in the elaborate ritual of the Red Heifer. It is to be burned and its ashes used to purify a person who is impure because of contact with a dead body. Anyone who has become contaminated and refuses the cleansing will be cut off from the congregation.
The people arrive at the wilderness of Zin. Miriam dies and is buried there.
The people cry out for water. HaShem tells Moshe to speak to the rock and command it to give water, but Moshe is so angry with the rebellious Israelites he strikes the rock instead. Water comes forth, but Moshe is told that he and Aaron will not enter the Promised Land.
Aaron dies at Hor Hahar and the people mourn for 30 days. His son Eliazer becomes High Priest.
Moshe leads the people in battles against the Emorites, who refused the people passage when they were on their journey. HaShem delivers victories to the Israelites.
Balak, the King of Moab, is alarmed by the Israelites’ military victories. He summons the prophet Balaam, and asks him to curse the Israelites. Balaam saddles his donkey and starts out. The donkey sees an angel sent to block their way and tries to prevent the journey, but Balaam misunderstands and beats the donkey mercilessly until he too sees and hears the angel.
Three times, from three different vantage points, Balaam attempts to pronounce curses, but the curses come out as blessings. Convinced of the goodness of Israel, he blesses them, saying, "How fair are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel. Blessed are they who bless you and cursed are they who curse you."
The people pray to the charms of the daughters of Moab and are enticed to idol worship. When an Israelite official takes a Midianite princess into his tent, Pinchas stabs both the man and the woman with a spear. This act ends a plague that was raging among the people.
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.
