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Alleged Wiesel attacker to stand trial

Eric Hunt, the 22-year-old man accused of stalking author Elie Wiesel across the nation and accosting him in a San Francisco hotel, has been judged competent to stand trial for his alleged crimes.

Hunt is accused of six felonies stemming from the Feb. 1 incident, in which he allegedly dragged the 78-year-old Holocaust survivor and author out of an elevator at the Argent Hotel: Attempted kidnapping, false imprisonment, battery stalking and two counts of elder abuse.

He was deemed fit to stand trial by S.F. Superior Court Judge Harold Kahn on Tuesday, Aug. 21.

A court date has not yet been determined. Wiesel told j. last week that he has already taped his testimony.

Kabbalist to lead workshop in S.F.

Kabbalah expert Mike Kellogg will lead an extended workshop on Kabbalah at the Wisdom Festival in September.

The workshop takes place 2 p.m. Sept. 16, the second day of the two-day event. “Conference and Exhibition Celebrating the Emerging Wisdom Culture” takes place at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center.

At his workshop, Kellogg will teach fundamentals of kabbalistic theory, as well as a history of the Kabbalah and how to apply it into one’s life.

The festival presents speakers, panels, music, interactive workshops and art, all exploring wisdom gathered over the ages and how to apply it to help the planet today. Lecturers include authors Dan Millman and Dannion Brinkley, former CBS news science advisor Richard Hogland, Sri Rani Ji and radio host Vaishali.

To purchase tickets or for more information, go to www.wisdomfestival.com, or call (800) 367-5777.

San Jose State offers Jewish study courses

The Jewish studies program at San Jose State University will run three evening courses open to the community.

Mira Amiras will teach “Jews, Zionism and the State” on Monday evenings, beginning Aug. 27. Jewish historian David Meir-Levi will offer a course on “The History of the Holy Land” Tuesday evenings beginning Aug. 28. Drew Todd will premiere a Jewish cinema course Wednesday evenings beginning Aug. 29, in conjunction with the San Jose Jewish Film Festival.

For further information, contact Victoria Harrison at (408) 924-5547.

Kosher cook-off coming to Petaluma

The first annual B’nai Israel Jewish Center kosher cook-off is coming to Petaluma. Six teams of center members will have two hours to prepare on the grill a kosher appetizer, entrée and dessert, featuring kosher hot dogs as the main ingredient. The event takes place Sunday, Aug. 26.

Judges for the event include radio personality Debbie Abrams, Petaluma firefighter Kevin Marks and former Petaluma mayor Clark Thompson.

Doors open for the cook-off at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 at the B’nai Israel Jewish Center, 740 Western Ave., Petaluma. Tickets: $20. Information: (707) 364-2885.