DURING 2020, AS MANY MINYANIM NEEDED TO HOLD SERVICES OUTDOORS, CONGREGATION MAGEN DAVID OF MADISON GAINED ENORMOUS POPULARITY WITHIN THE MADISON AREA. THE CHARACTER OF THE SHUL, WHICH IS BASED ON OUR TRADITIONAL CUSTOMS OF ARAM SOBA, HAS CREATED A DEFINITE BUZZ IN THE AREA.
Many congregants have said that the Shul has a spiritual camaraderie that is really heartfelt. It reminds them of their childhood, when their parents and grandparents had a yearning to be totally involved in the betterment of their synagogue, on an everyday basis.
Whether a person is contributing monetarily or just likes going shopping every Friday to fill the refrigerator for seudah shelishit, or Shabbat breakfast, the atmosphere is fun and energetic.
The founding members Elliot Betesh, Isaac Hamway, Joey Chabot, Morris Betesh, Marc Schmool, Adam Shrem, Elliot Bar David and several others remember the first High Holiday services of 2021 which were held in the driveway, on the side of Elliot Betesh’s house, outside—rain or shine—before the Shul moved to its current location on East 24th Street.
Magen David of Madison now has over 100 regular members for Shabbat, with weekly classes, guest lecturers and meals donated by generous supporters each week. Plus holiday prayers are in full swing. Magen David will also be instituting a youth program soon, and there have already been two beautiful Sefer Torah dedications, most recently by Mike and Gloria Masri.
The actual location of the Shul is the corner of Avenue P and East 24th, which is also a central connection point for the Madison area, as it is within easy walking distance for many young families on either side of Kings Highway or Bedford Avenue.
The Shul is quickly selling seats and becoming very popular in the neighborhood. Please come and pray at Magen David of Madison and experience something new which is inspired by the old glorious ways of our founding community members.
