Contestants must be Jewish or have an affinity for Sephardi, Mizrahi or Crypto-Jewish culture. The jury will accept one entry of 3,000 words or less per category. The subject of all entries must be Jewish or universal in theme. The entry fee is $5. For information, call (213) 650-3153. Complete details are available at www.ivri-nasawi.org on the Internet.

Mourners can enroll in 8-week bereavement group at JFCS

An eight-week bereavement group for individuals who have lost a partner or spouse will begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9 at Jewish Family and Children's Services, 1600 Scott St., S.F.

Cost is $100. For information, call Maggie Weadick at (415) 561-1251.

Parents Place offers preschool preview night Tuesday

A preschool preview night will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 at the San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park, Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Way.

Lee Ann Slaton of Parents Place — a program of Jewish Family and Children's Services and a co host — will speak on "Choosing a Preschool for Your Child" at 7:30 p.m. For information, call (415) 563-0335.