art

ongoing

“Architectural Fantasies and Abstract Thinking.” Photo art by Sonia Melnikova-Raich. Through Feb. 28. At Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. www.art.soniamelnikova.com

“A Tribute to Roman Vishniac.” Paintings by Jerry Baer. Through Feb. 27. At Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. www.ccjcc.org.

“In the Beginning: Artists Respond to Genesis.” Through Jan. 6. “Warhol’s Jews: Ten Portraits Reconsidered.” Through Feb. 3. StoryCorps. Share life stories with family and friends in the story booth. Through Oct. 11, 2009. At Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F. www.thecjm.org.

“Il Ghetto: Forging Italian Jewish Identities 1516-1870.” Through Feb. 15.

At Fort Mason, S.F. www.museoitaloamericano.org.

“Italia Ebraica: Italian Ritual Objects and Manuscripts.” Through Jan. 29. At BJE Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. Free. (415) 567-3327 ext. 703.

“Jewish Magic: Folklore and Fantasy.” Through Dec. 31. At JCCSF’s Katz Snyder Gallery, 3200 California St., S.F. www.jccsf. org/jewish.

“Modigliani, His Friends, His Paris.” Italian Jewish artist Amedeo Modigliani. Through Jan. 29. At BJE Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. (415) 567-3327 ext. 704.

“Old Jewish Comedians.” Cartoons by illustrator Drew Friedman, whose work has appeared in Mad Magazine and the New Yorker. Through March 1. At Peninsula

JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. www.pjcc.org.

“On My Grandmother’s Table I Will Find … ” Through Jan. 20. At Jewish Heritage Museum, Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living, 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville. (925) 648-2800.

“Orthodox in Israel.” Photographs by Michael Cohen. Through Jan. 16. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. www.marinjcc.org.

“Sidewalking Israel — Spring, 2008.” Black and white photography by Rabbi Bernie Robinson. Through January. At Congregation Kol Shofar, 215 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon. (415) 388-1818.

“The Atheon Project: A Temple of Science for Rational Belief.” Jonathon Keats window installation. Through Feb. 1. At Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2222 Harold Way, Berkeley. www.magnes.org.

“The State Museums of Berlin and the Legacy of James Simon.” Through Jan. 18. At the Palace of the Legion of Honor, Golden Gate Park, 34th Avenue at Clement Street, S.F. www.famsf.org.

“Wild and Lovely.” Monotypes and oil paintings of Jewish artist Arthur Krakower. Through Dec. 24. At RS Gallery and Framing, 628 Emerson St., Palo Alto. www.rsgallerypa.com.

theater

tuesday | 23

Festivus comedy show. Six-course dinner and comedians Andrew Norelli, Jeff Applebaum, Larry Brown and more. Also Dec. 24. At the Willow Tree Restaurant, 6513 Regional St., Dublin. 6 p.m. $37-$47. www.laughtalotproductions.com.

wednesday | 24

“Chopshticks.” Gourmet Chinese food and comics, including Gary Gulman of

“Last Comic Standing.” At Ming’s Restaurant, 1700 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto.

7 p.m. Also Dec. 25 at 6 p.m. $70. www.paloaltojcc.org/chopshticks.

thursday | 25

“Chinese Food and Comedy With Eric Schwartz.” At Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City. 1 p.m. $30. www.templebethjacob.org.

“Kung Pao Kosher Komedy and Chinese Dinner.” Featuring comedian David Brenner. At New Asia Restaurant, 772 Pacific Ave., S.F. 5 p.m. www.koshercomedy.com.

wednesday | 31

“For Whom the Bridge Tolls.” Musical comedy by Jewish writers with Jewish actors. At Seafood Peddler’s Palm Ballroom, 100 Yacht Club Drive, San Rafael. 6 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. www.murphyproductions.com.

music & dance

saturday | 20

Ayelet Cohen in concert. Israeli-born opera singer performs opera and Jewish folk songs. At Congregation Ner Tamid, 1250 Quintara St., S.F. 8 p.m. $15. (415) 661-3383.

“Pomegranates & Figs: A Feast of Jewish Music.” Featuring Teslim, Kitka Women’s Ensemble and the Gonifs. At Zellerbach Hall, U.C. Berkeley. 8 p.m. $20-$32. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu.

sunday | 21

Elana Jagoda concert and craft workshop. For families and children. At the Center for Jewish Living and Learning, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 1-4 p.m. Free. (510) 839-2900.

wednesday | 24

“Home for the Holidays.” San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus singing Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa songs. At Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., S.F. 5, 7 and 9 p.m. $17. www.sfgmc.org.

film & video

saturday | 20

“Tel Aviv in Motion.” At Ninth Street Independent Film Center, 145 Ninth St., S.F. 7:30 p.m. (415) 512-6203.

tv & radio

thursday | 25

“Doron and Raya’s Chanukah Special.” Music, trivia, stories. On KZSU 90.1 FM. 8-10 p.m. kzsu.stanford.edu.

sunday | 28

“Mosaic.” Rabbi Eric Weiss and guests discuss gay marriage. CBS channel 5. 5 a.m.

lectures & workshops

saturday | 20

Alexander Leyzerovich’s Russian poetry reading. At Cubberly Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. 6 p.m. (650) 776-8962.

“Keep the Fire Burning: Elevating Everyday Spiritual Practice.” Heeb Magazine founder Jennifer Bleyer and Rabbi Micah Hyman discuss modern Jewish life. At Congregation Beth Sholom, 301 14th Ave., S.F. 8 p.m. Free. (415) 221-8736.

sunday | 21

“Why I am Not an Atheist.” With professor Bernard Rosen. Kol Hadash bagel brunch and lecture. At Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. 10 a.m. $5 donation. (510) 525-2296.

thursday | 25

“Jesus in the Mikvah.” Rabbi Elisheva Salamo lecture followed by Chinese food. At Kehillah Jewish High School, 3900 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 10 a.m. Free. (650) 494-6400.

“The December Dilemma on American Television.” Jeffrey Shandler lecture. At Kanbar Hall, JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 4:30 p.m. Free. www.jccsf.org/arts.

benefits & social events

friday | 19

YAD Shabbat Dinner. At private homes in San Francisco and South Bay. 6:30-9 p.m. RSVP (415) 512-6280.

thursday | 25

“Breakfast With the Characters.” Family breakfast with Elmo, Mickey, Minnie and others. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 9:30-11 a.m. $7-$10. (650) 212-7522.

Target Family Day. Free admission to the Contemporary Jewish Museum, Chanukah crafts, music and storytelling. At the CJM, 736 Mission St., S.F. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. www.thecjm.org.

Yiddish Culture Festival. Live klezmer music, food, Yiddish dancing. At Congreg-ation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley. 12-5 p.m. $10-$20. (925) 979-1998.

Jewish Community Free Clinic’s Annual Fundraiser. Chinese food and the film “Crossing Delancey.” At Friedman Event Center, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. 2-6 p.m. $6-$18. RSVP to (707) 585-7780.

wednesday | 31

“New Year’s Eve ‘Day’ Bash.” For adults ages 70 and older. Holiday buffet, raffles, champagne, dancing. At Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $13. (650) 352-1260 ext. 3602.

thursday | 1

New Year’s Day champagne brunch. At Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. 11 a.m. $22-$27. (925) 938-7800 ext. 239.

chanukah

friday | 19

Chai Baby Chanukah celebration. Holiday playgroup for babies. At Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., S.F. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. RSVP (415) 777-4545.

“Hanukkah in the Lobby.” Crafts, games, Chanukah treats and storytelling. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 1-3:30 p.m. www.pjcc.org.

Kol Hadash Chanukah celebration, farewell party and potluck dinner. Rabbi Jay Heyman’s final service before retirement. Music by Ben Brussell. At Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. 6:30 p.m. (510) 525-2296.

sunday | 21

Tri-City Jewish playgroup Chanukah party. Jewish Federation of Greater East Bay, Temple Beth Torah and PJ Library. Songs, games and latkes for children younger than 3 and their families. At Club House, 39109 Guardino Drive, Fremont. 10-11:30 a.m. RSVP to [email protected].

Tri-Valley Cultural Jews Chanukah party. Potluck brunch (bring a potato and dish), games, candle-lighting ceremony. At Bothwell Center, 2466 Eighth St., Livermore. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. RSVP to [email protected].

Be’chol Lashon Chanukah festival. Israeli dancing, global foods, Judaica stands and workshops. At Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., S.F. 1-4 p.m. Free. RSVP to (415) 386-2604 or (415) 346-1720.

“Latkepalooza.” Live music, arts and crafts, adult learning sessions and latkes. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 1-4 p.m. (650) 349-1523.

“Back to Our Roots.” Chanukah musical revue. At Jewish Home, 302 Silver Ave., S.F. 2 p.m. Free. RSVP (415) 469-2248.

Family Chanukah celebration. Live performances, latke making, dreidel playing. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 2-4 p.m. $5-$7. (415) 292-1265.

New Israel Fund Chanukah party. Latkes and guest speakers Candice Gold, Ed Russell, and activist Susan Lourenco. At 42 Pine Drive, Fairfax. 4-7 p.m. RSVP to [email protected].

“Light Up the Night.” Chabad Jewish Center of Sonoma County community Chanukah celebration. At Whole Foods Market, 201 W. Napa St., Sonoma. 5 p.m. www.JewishSonoma.com.

Public menorah lighting. Through Dec. 29. At Lymon Park, Main Street, St. Helena. 6 p.m. (707) 963-9632.

“Super 8: Hub Hanukkah Party.” Performances by the Sway Machinery and DeLeon. He’Brew beer tasting, fried foods. At 111 Minna Gallery, 111 Minna St., S.F. 6 p.m. $8-$12. www.jcccsf.org/arts.

Outdoor Chanukah candle-lighting. At Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills. 6 p.m. (650) 493-4661

Beth Chaim Congregation Chanukah celebration. Live band, latke-making contest, wine tasting. At Beth Chaim Congregation, 1800 Holbrook Drive, Danville. 7 p.m. (925) 736-7146.

Winter solstice and first night of Chanukah celebration. Featuring music by the Sephardic Music Experience with Kat Parra. At La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 7:30 p.m. $12-$15. www.katparra.com.

monday | 22

The Jewish Chaplaincy at Stanford Medical Center menorah lighting. Songs, stories and food. At the Atrium, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford. 4 p.m. (650) 723-3808.

“Light Up the Night.” Chabad Jewish Center of Sonoma County community Chanukah celebration. At Fiesta Market, 550 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol. 5 p.m. www.JewishSonoma.com.

Super Active Seniors Annual Chanukah Party. Catered latke meal. At Kehillah Jewish High School, 3900 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 5 p.m. $23-$29. RSVP to (650) 352-1260 ext. 3602.

Grand Menorah Lighting. Chabad of Oakland’s Chanukah party with music, latkes and chocolate gelt. At Piedmont Park, 711 Highland Ave., Piedmont. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (510) 444-6770.

tuesday | 23

Richmond Torah Center Public Menorah Lighting. Also Dec. 28 at Golden Gate Park Concourse. Music, dancing, crafts. At Argonne Playground, 18th Avenue and Geary Street, S.F. 3:30 p.m. (415) 518-1931.

“Light Up the Night.” Chabad Jewish Center of Sonoma County community Chanukah celebration. At Oliver’s Market, 546 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati. 5 p.m.www.JewishSonoma.com.

Burlingame Menorah Lighting. Sponsored by Chabad of the North Peninsula. At Washington Park, 850 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame. 6 p.m. (650) 341-4510.

wednesday | 24

Sinai Chanukah Party. Pizza-making, films and sing-alongs. At Congregation Sinai, 1532 Willowbrae Ave., San Jose. 4-8 p.m. $5-$10. RSVP (408) 264-8542.

“Chanukah on Ice.” Menorah lighting, skate to Jewish music, latkes and cider. At the Vallco Ice Center, 10123 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino. 5-8 p.m. $8-$12. (650) 424-9800.

“Light Up the Night.” The Chabad Jewish Center of Sonoma County community Chanukah celebration. At Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. 5 p.m. www.JewishSonoma.com.

Richmond Torah Center family Chanukah party. At 751 25th Ave., S.F. Catered dinner, mystery entertainer, music. 5 p.m. $15-$30. (415) 518-1931.

“Heebonism Bash.” Heeb Magazine’s Chanukah party with live music and Chinese appetizers. Make-Out Room, Mission and 22nd Street, S.F. 8 p.m. www.makeoutroom.com.

“Latke Ball.” Jewish Community Federation Young Adults Division party with DJS. At Ruby Skye, 420 Mason St., S.F. 9 p.m. (415) 512-6232.

thursday | 25

“Grand Renewal Chanukah Celebra-tion at Afikomen.” Music, storytelling, latkes and prizes. At Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (510) 655-1977.

“Chanukah on Ice.” Chabad of Contra Costa candle lighting and ice-skating to Jewish music. At Civic Park, Walnut Creek. 7-9 p.m. $14-$16. www.jewishcontracosta.com.

saturday | 27

East county community Chanukah celebration. Chabad of Contra Costa Country. Menorah lighting, donuts, dreidels and latkes. At Prewett Family Park Recreation Center, 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. 7:30 p.m. Free. RSVP to [email protected].

Beyt Tikkun Chanukah party. Latkes, Rabbi Michael Lerner storytelling, Achi Ben Shalom music, vegetarian potluck. At Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez St., S.F. 6 p.m. $15. (510) 644-1200.

“Hanukkah Worldwide.” Live performances by ’80s cover band Tainted Love and DJs. At Mezzanine, 444 Jessie St., S.F. 8 p.m. $18-$25. www.mezzaninesf.com.

sunday | 28

Public menorah lighting in Golden Gate Park. Sponsored by Richmond Torah Center. Latkes, moonbounce, arts and crafts. At Golden Gate Park Music Concourse between the de Young and the California Academy of Sciences. 3-5:30 p.m. www.rtchabad.org.

“Light Up the Night.” The Chabad Jewish Center of Sonoma County community Chanukah celebration. At Oakville Grocery, Healdsburg. 5 p.m. www.JewishSonoma.com.

Chanukah celebration. Potluck dinner, latkes provided, games, music by Lorenzo Valensi. At Congregation Ner Shalom, 85 la Plaza, Cotati. 6:15 p.m. (707) 664-8622.

singles

sunday | 21

Redwood Regional and Joaquin Miller Parks. In the East Bay. Bay Area Jewish Singles Hiking Club. 10 a.m. Free. (510) 451-5252.

thursday | 25

Indian Buffet Lunch and Tennessee Valley Hike. In Marin. Bay Area Jewish Singles Hiking Club. At India Palace, 707 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley. 11:30 a.m. $3. (408) 738-1319.

sunday | 28

Annadel State Park Hike. In Santa Rosa. Bay Area Jewish Singles Hiking Club. 10 a.m. $3. (707) 823-9555.

Senior Singles, Widows and Widowers of Silicon Valley Chanukah Party. At a private home, Los Altos. 2-6 p.m. RSVP (408) 253-7200.