Worldly study
Discussions about meditation, the meaning of “amen” and the significance of blessings will fill rooms in Berkeley and Foster City on Sunday, Nov. 18. The conversations will happen on the third annual Global Day of Jewish Learning, a worldwide event that takes place in 300 communities. Berkeley’s will be the biggest in the Bay Area, with teachers and speakers from 10 Bay Area Jewish institutions.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18 at JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. Free. RSVP at www.jcceastbay.org. Also 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18 at Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. Free. www.pjcc.org. Full list of events at www.theglobalday.com
Think that’s funny?
Jewish women often have been comic fodder. But just why have they been so maligned? Israeli psychologist and educator Nily Shiryon will discuss the psychology of humor, specifically as it pertains to negative portrayals of Jewish women.
2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19 at Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. $4, members free. www.pjcc.org. Also 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20 at Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living, 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville. Part of Contra Costa Jewish Book Festival. Free. www.jfed.org/bookfestival
sunday/18
“Napa’s Jewish Hoteliers.” Presentation by Don Miller, author of “The History of the Napa Valley Lodging Industry, 1849 to Present.” At Congregation Beth Shalom, 1455 Elm St., Napa. 2 p.m. $5. (707) 251-9092.
Historic cemetery tour. Home of Eternity Cemetery, founded by members of the East Bay’s Hebrew Benevolent Society at the time of the Civil War. At Home of Eternity Cemetery, 5000 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 11 a.m. Free. www.oaklandsinai.org.
Zang Talk. Short talks on education, security, high-tech and music by speakers in the Jewish community. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7:30 p.m. $10-$17. www.zangtalk.com.
The Jewish community of Uganda. Presentation by teacher and leader Kintu Moses, on the 1,400-member Abayudaya community. At Temple Beth Abraham, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 5:30 p.m. Free. www.kulanu.org/abayudaya/2012akmtourcalendar.php.
monday/26
Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth discusses the future of Judaism. At JCC of San Francisco, 3200 California St., S.F. 12 p.m. $25-$30. www.jccsf.org. Also at Berkeley School of Law, Booth Auditorium, 2778 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. Reception at 5:15 p.m., program at 6 p.m. Free. To reserve a seat, https://berkeleylaw.wufoo.com/forms/the-future-of-judaism.
tuesday/27
“Inside Jewish Shanghai: Then and Now.” Archival photo exhibit and discussion for young professionals with Deborah Strobin, author of “An Uncommon Journey” and a resident of Shanghai ghetto during World War II. At Sens, 4 Embarcadero Center, S.F. 7 p.m. Free. RSVP required to http://shanghaisf.eventbrite.com.
wednesday/28
“Navigating Today’s Financial Markets.” Presentation by four leading investors. Hosted by S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation. At Deloitte, 555 Mission St., S.F. $18-$72. www.jewishfed.org.
thursday/29
“The Art of Financial Well-Being.” Resource fair with sessions on goal setting, financing a college education. With Makor Or meditation session and yoga. At JCC of San Francisco, 3200 California St., S.F. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free. www.jccsf.org/fwb.
“The Future of American-Israeli Relations.” Talk by the new consul general of Israel to the Pacific Northwest, Andy David. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7:30 p.m. $5. www.paloaltojcc.org.