friday | 8
New Member Chicken Soup Kabbalat Shabbat. Chicken soup, challah and dessert. At Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., S.F. 5 p.m. RSVP to (415) 346-1720 ext. 27.
Patrick Hunt. Biblical scholar-in-residence and archaeologist presenting a series of discussions. Through Jan. 10. At Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City. 7:30 p.m. (650) 364-3105.
sunday | 10
“Call to Social Action: Remembering Rabbi Alan Lew.” A day of remembrance, reflection and call to social action to honor the work of Rabbi Lew. At Congregation Beth Sholom, 301 14th Ave., S.F. 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free. (415) 221-8736 ext. 103.
“Archaeology vs. Biblical History.” Professor and Middle East expert David Meir-Levi. Presented by Exploring the World of Judaism. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 9:30 a.m. www.rodefsholom.org.
Edith Gelles. Stanford scholar and Jewish author of “Abigail and John: Portrait of a Marriage.” At Oshman Family JCC, 3900 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 10 a.m. $5 donation. (650) 494-6400.
Noah Alper. Kol Hadash bagel brunch with the author and founder of Noah’s Bagels. At Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. $7.50-$10. www.kolhadash.org.
“Women in the Torah.” Rabbi Dean Kertesz discusses Rachel and Leah. At Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond. 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (510) 223-2560.
“A Jewish Celebration of Trees.” Puppets, stories about trees and bagels for families with young children. At Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. RSVP to (510) 559-8140.
“Conversations About Conversion.” Maurice Kamins discussing conversion to Judaism. At Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., S.F. 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (415) 346-1720 ext. 24.
Ron Arons. Author of “The Jews of Sing Sing.” At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Free. (650) 223-8613.
“The Many Worlds of Israeli Jews, Muslims, Druze and Christians.” Lecture by Donna Rosenthal, author of “The Israelis.” At Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. 2-4 p.m. RSVP to (866) 380-6464.
Rabbi Daniel Kohn. Reading from his book “Jewish FAQs: An Internet Rabbi’s Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Judaism.” At Afikomen, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 3-5 p.m. (510) 655-1977.
“Social Justice, Equality and Human Rights in Israel.” Congregation Kol Shofar discussion with Rabbi Brian Lurie and Rabbi Lavey Derby. At Davidson Middle School Annex, 150 Lovell Ave., San Rafael. 7 p.m. RSVP to (415) 388-1818.
monday | 11
Andrei Codrescui. Romanian NPR poet, novelist and essayist. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 8 p.m. $10-$18. www.jccsf.org.
tuesday | 12
Daniel Borenstein. Columnist and editorial writer for Contra Costa Times discussing current local issues. At Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. 10 a.m. $17-$20. (925) 938-7800 ext. 239.
wednesday | 13
“Spirituality and Music.” 10-week course examining Chassidic music with Aaron Blumenfeld. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 7:30 p.m. $50. (510) 233-7854.
thursday | 14
“Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, Part I.” East Bay Jewish Forum lecture with Jehon Grist of Lehrhaus Judaica. At Temple Beth Abraham, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 10-11:30 a.m. (510) 318-6453.
Little Latkes Playgroup. Drop-in afternoon playgroup for infants through 3-year-olds, singing and mini-Shabbat service. At Temple Israel, 3183 Mecartney Road, Alameda. 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (510) 522-9355.
David A. Kessler. Former head of the FDA, author of “Putting the Food Industry on Trial.” At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 8 p.m. $10-$18. www.jccsf.org.
friday | 15
“What Makes Someone a Jew.” At Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. 6:15-9 p.m. Potluck or $7. www.jewishgateways.org/node/159/signup.
sunday | 17
“Holocaust Stories of Redemption.” Conversation with local survivor Jack Tramiel, screening of shorts films and “Schindler” exhibition preview. At Levy Family Campus, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 7 p.m. RSVP to (408) 357-7504.