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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 Shimini Leviticus 9:1 -- 11:18
Aaron and his sons begin to officiate as priests in the Temple. The Divine Presence dwells in the sanctuary, and Aaron makes the required offerings on the altar. HaShem sends a fire to consume them.
Aaron’s two sons, Nadav and Avihu, offer a “strange fire before HaShem which he did not command." A fire issues forth from HaShem and they die. Moshe tells Aaron that this is what HaShem meant when he decreed, "Through those near to me I show myself holy and gain glory from the people." Aaron is silent in the face of his tragic loss, but later he argues with Moshe on a point of law regarding the offerings.
To Moshe and Aaron, HaShem details the complex laws of kashrut, identifying the animals permissible and those forbidden for consumption. Land animals must have split hooves and chew their cuds; fish must have fins and scales; certain birds are forbidden, and a list of permissible insects (locusts) are listed.
The laws of ritual purity are outlined, and the purposes and uses of the mikvah are made known. The high priest shall examine those with skin anomalies and women who give birth shall take part in rituals of cleanliness. All the people are enjoined to differentiate between the pure and the impure.
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!
