Natan Sharansky to headline Yom HaShoah program

Israeli Cabinet minister and prominent former refusenik Natan Sharansky headlines this year’s annual Holocaust Remembrance observance at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. The event is free and open to the public.

Sharansky, who realized he would be in San Francisco at the time, requested to appear on the program and was happily added. Co-sponsors are the Jewish Community Relations Council and Holocaust Center of Northern California.

For more information, call (415) 751-6040.

JVS honors three at annual luncheon

Jewish Vocational Service will be celebrating its 30th anniversary at its Strictly Business Awards Luncheon on Monday, April 19.

The luncheon honors three JVS clients: Audrey Bell, Fatima Sison and Norma Stokes, who obtained their jobs through JVS. The event also recognizes the Jewish Home for its commitment as a training partner, employer and supporter.

The luncheon will be held in the grand ballroom of the Hilton San Francisco, 333 O’Farrell St., with a reception beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 12. To register, call (415) 782-6234, e-mail [email protected] or go to www.jvs.org/strictlybusiness/htm.

Planning a simcha? Head to showcase

More than 40 vendors will be at Lafayette’s Temple Isaiah at its second Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Special Events Showcase on Sunday, April 25.

The event will feature many Bay Area hotels, restaurants, country clubs, caterers, decorators, musicians, DJs, photographers and videographers.

Attendees can meet with vendors, sample food, hear performers and win door prizes. Admission is free.

The showcase will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at 3800 Mount Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. For information, call (925) 283-8575.