“The Artist Backstage.” Visual art by Broadway legend Zero Mostel. Through Nov. 14. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. www.jccsf.org/katzsnyder.
“Celebrating Jewish Life in Marin.” Photography exhibit by Norm Levin featuring celebrations in Marin and beyond. Through Nov. 23. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. (415) 444-8000.
“A Dancer’s Scrapbook, 1928-1933.” Pictures from Rose Yasgour, a pioneer of modern dance in New York, of her early career. Through Feb. 23, 2012. “A Fine Romance.” Exhibit about Jewish American songwriters of the 20th century. Through Dec. 22. At the BJE Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. (415) 567-3327.
“An Exploration of Language and Shapes in Sculpture.” Sculptures by Joyce Steinfeld sculptures use the Hebrew alphabet and Chinese characters. Through Jan. 27, 2012. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. www.paloaltojcc.org.
“How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less.” Watercolor prints from Sarah Glidden’s graphic novel. Through Dec. 28. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. www.pjcc.org.
“The Israelis.” Photographic portraits by Mark Tuschman. Through Feb. 2, 2012. “Amulets.” Traditional embroidered tapestries by Ethiopian-Israeli women in Israel. Through Dec. 15. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. (650) 223-8669.
“Rita Sargen Simon Retrospective, 1924-2005.” Works in steel, bronze, ceramic and Plexiglas. Through Jan. 8, 2012. At Jewish Heritage Museum at Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living, 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville. www.rcjl.org.
“Scattered Among the Nations.” Photographic exhibit of seven Jewish communities. Through December. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. (510) 845-6420.
“Stanley Saitowitz: Judaica.” New perspectives from a S.F.-based architect. Through Oct. 16, 2012.“Black Sabbath.” Studio exhibit on black-Jewish ties in recorded music. Through Feb. 8, 2012. “Houdini: Art and Magic.” Multimedia exhibit examining Houdini’s life, legend and influence. Through Jan. 16, 2012. At the Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F. www.thecjm.org.
saturday | 5
Bank of America Free Museum Day. BofA card holders get free entry to the Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F., and seven other museums in the Bay Area. Also Nov. 6. http://museums.bankofamerica.com.
wednesday | 9
Sarah Glidden. Graphic novel author hosts discussion of her Taglit-Birthright Israel experience. 2 p.m. Free. Followed by “Art Gallery Tour and Workshop: Drawing From Your Own Life,” a guided a tour of the exhibition about her book, and a workshop about creating your own comics. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City. 7 p.m. $8. RSVP to (650) 212-7522.
thursday | 10
“Old City to Our City.” Display of winning photographs by Birthright alumni. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City. 6:30 p.m. Free. (415) 561-9931.