Our Covid-19 guidelines can be found here.
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 Chol Hamoed Sukkot Day Three (Shabbat) Exodus 33:12 - 34:26
Moshe is to carve new tablets on which HaShem will engrave the Ten Commandments. Moshe carries the new tablets to Mount Sinai, where HaShem reveals His glory, as He has promised. The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy are proclaimed.
HaShem seals a covenant with Moshe, assuring him that His presence will dwell with the Jews. The people are promised that HaShem will drive the Canaanites from before them. HaShem instructs them to destroy all vestiges of idolatry from the land, to not make molten gods or make covenants with current inhabitants of the land. They are exhorted to sanctify male firstborn humans and cattle, and not to cook meat and milk together.
The people are commanded to observe the Three Festivals, including the holiday of Sukkot. All males must make pilgrimage to Jerusalem during these times. Public offerings are brought to the Temple during the Sukkot festival.
We recently celebrated a Bar Mitzvah at Magen David (socially distanced, of course). Mazal Tov to Shmuel and his family on reaching this beautiful milestone and for sponsoring a delicious Kiddush To Go!
