This you call a ghetto?

Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto includes Chez Panisse, an organic farmers market and a weekly food truck event, offering customers a range of tastes and ways to interact with food. But how did the Gourmet Ghetto gain its reputation, and in what ways are new
businesses continuing to shape the neighborhood vibe? A panel at the JCC of the East Bay, moderated by j. managing editor and food columnist Andy Altman-Ohr, will discuss the ins and outs of this famous food hub. Panelists include Monica Rocchino, co-owner of the Local Butcher Shop, Matt Cohen, founder of Off the Grid, and Karen Adelman, co-owner of Saul’s Deli.

7 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. $6-$8. www.jcceastbay.org

saturday/23

Israeli folk dance party. Café Shalom presents dancing and munchies. At St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 1399-43rd Ave., S.F. 7:30 p.m. $5-$8. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CafeShalom.

sunday/24

Songs and stories. Jonathan Bayer leads singing and interactive storytelling for all ages. At BJE Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 10:30 a.m. Free. www.bjesf.org/families_programs.htm.

Help feed the hungry. The Young Adult Community at Temple Emanu-El volunteers at the Martin de Porres House. At Martin’s, 225 Potrero Ave., S.F. 8:45 a.m. RSVP required to [email protected]. www.emanuelsf.org.

monday/25

Guardian of Democracy Dinner. Annual New Israel Fund dinner features keynote speaker and outgoing NIF president Naomi Chazan. At Four Seasons Hotel, 757 Market St., S.F. 6 p.m. $300. www.nif.org/home-guardian.

sunday/1

Wise Sons deli picnic. The Young Adult Community of Congregation Emanu-El enjoys a summer picnic and day of play. At Dolores Park, S.F. 12 p.m. $15. www.emanuelsf.org.

wednesday/4

Kosher BBQ and pool party. With young adults’ group Jews’ Next Dor. At a private residence in San Jose. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10. http://cbdyag.wordpress.com.