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 Shemot Exodus 1:1 - 6:1
Egypt’s new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, is alarmed by the growth and prosperity of the Hebrews. Cruel taskmasters are assigned to oversee the Israelites’ forced building of Egypt’s huge store-cities. Still they multiply. Midwives are commanded to preserve female babies and kill all males, but the midwives, fearing God, disobey the order. Pharaoh renews his order that males must be killed.
A certain desperate mother hides her infant son in a basket in the bulrushes, where he is found by Pharaoh’s daughter. His sister Miriam shrewdly suggests a wet nurse, and his mother is brought to the palace. Pharaoh’s daughter adopts the child and calls him Moses.
Moses grows up, sees an Egyptian striking a Hebrew, kills the Egyptian and hides his body, but his deed is known. He flees to Midian, where he helps the daughters of Jethro, who gives Moses his daughter Zipporah to marry.
On Mount Sinai, HaShem appears to Moses from the midst of a bush that is burning but not consumed. He charges Moses with delivering the Israelites out of Egypt to Canaan. Moses is reluctant, but HaShem reassures him. He is to tell the people that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has sent him.
HaShem promised wonders to convince Pharaoh to release the Hebrews from bondage and allow them to leave Egypt. Moses protests that he is slow of speech, and HaShem permits Aaron to be his spokesman. Moses and Aaron assemble the people, convey the wishes of HaShem. Awed, the people accept this plan, bow their heads in worship.
Pharaoh notes angrily that Moses and Aaron have caused the people to rest from their labors. He increases their workload and refuses their pleas for mercy.
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.
