The 1919 conference of Kaifeng Jews shows members of the Zhao, Ai, Li and Shi clans, with the women in bound feet.

The connection to Kaifeng

When the Vatican sent missionaries in the early 17th century to investigate a small group of Jews in Kaifeng, China, they discovered that the community used the exact same Torah as one being used throughout Europe. Today, the Kaifeng Jewish community is mostly assimilated and few members remain — anywhere from an estimated few dozen to a few hundred — but the group has a rich history spanning from the seventh century Tang Dynasty. As part of the Israel China Cultural Festival, the JCC of San Francisco will host an exhibit about the Kaifeng Jews that kicks off with an opening lecture by Cynthia Zelden, executive producer of the documentary “Safe Haven in China: The Untold History of the Jews.”

6 p.m. Monday, June 18 at JCC of San Francisco, 3200 California St., S.F. Free. www.israelchinasf.com

saturday/9

Book talk with Marty Brounstein. Author discusses “Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust.” At Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, Orinda. 2 p.m. Free. (925) 254-7606.

sunday/10

Film and discussion. Screening of documentary “Watershed” about the Colorado River followed by a discussion with three of the film’s producers, including Congregation Beth Shalom Rabbi Lee Bycel and Jamie Redford. At Congregation Beth Shalom, 1455 Elm St., Napa. 4 p.m. $20 for nonmembers. www.cbsnapa.org.

“Creating a Modern Ketubah.” Rabbi Tsvi Bar-David and Dr. Haya Rubin discuss how to create a contemporary marriage contract. At Congregation Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. 1 p.m. $85-$100. [email protected].

tuesday/12

“The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty.” Israeli American behavioral economics professor Dan Ariely of Duke University discusses dishonesty and cheating. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7:30 p.m. $10-$15. www.paloaltojcc.org.

“The King Fisher.” Talk about fish and kosher laws by Orthodox Union Rabbi Chaim Goldberg. At Bar Yochai Sephardic Minyan, 1030 Astoria Drive, Sunnyvale. 7:15 p.m. Free. (408) 375-7770. Also June 13 at Chabad of the East Bay, 2730 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley. 8:30 p.m. Free. (510) 812-7000.

Shmooze with Nadia Kalman. Appearance by author of “The Cosmopolitans,” a novel about culture clashes, weddings and family life among Russian Jewish immigrants in New Jersey. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 7 p.m. Free. www.siliconvalleyjcc.org/events.

wednesday/13

Israel Consulate update. Consul General Akiva Tor gives quarterly update on current events in Israel and moderates open discussion for young adults. At Jewish Community Federation, 121 Steuart St., S.F. 6:30 p.m. Free. www.jewishfed.org.

thursday/14

Mystical aromatherapy. Workshop with Israeli author Avraham Sand. At Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 6:30 p.m. Free. www.afikomen.com.

“Driving Toward the Future: Israel, China, and Electric Vehicles.” Panel discussion. At Fenwick & West law firm, 801 California St., Mountain View.

Part of Israel China Cultural Festival. 6 p.m. Register with Yelena Giderman at [email protected]. www.israelchinasf.com.

Young Jewish Professionals Network. Networking and talk by S.F. Supervisor Scott Wiener. At Infusion Lounge, 124 Ellis St., S.F. 6:30 p.m. $10. www.emanuelsf.org.

saturday/16

Book talk by Michael Cooper. Author discusses “Foxes in the Vineyard,” his novel about a son searching for his archaeologist father on the eve of the Israeli War of Independence. At Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, Orinda. 1 p.m. Free. www.orindabooks.com

sunday/17

“The Real Story of ‘Exodus’ 1947.” Riva Gambert of the Jewish Federation of the East Bay separates fact from fiction in Leon Uris’ novel “Exodus.” At Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont, Ave., Berkeley. With lox and bagel brunch. 10:45 a.m. $5, free for students. (510) 655-1977.

wednesday/20

“The Thriving Sustainable Food Industry.” Discussion with Joey Altman, TV food host; Neal Gottlieb, founder of Three Twins Ice Cream; and Adrian Hoffman, culinary director of Lark Creek Restaurant Group, about Jewish organizations leading the way in the food industry. At Sedgwick, 333 Bush St., S.F. 6 p.m. $25-$60. www.jewishfed.org.

thursday/21

“Jews, Gender, Dress-up and Drag.” Film clips and discussion about Jewish gender through pop culture examples. At JCC East Bay, Oakland branch, 5811 Racine St. 7:30 p.m. $6-$8. www.jcceastbay.org.