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thursday/29

“Arise! Arise! Deborah, Ruth and Hannah.” Artist Debra Brand discusses her book of her paintings of women who took a stand at critical moments. At Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 6:30 p.m. Free. www.afikomen.com.  Also Dec. 2 as part of “Almost Chanukah Fair” at Congregation Netivot Shalom (see benefits & social events).

“The Book of Genesis: A Biography.” U.C. Berkeley professor Ron Hendel on his forthcoming book on Genesis: how it  has shaped views of reality and how interpretations of it have evolved. At Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. 5 p.m. Free.www.magnes.org.

sunday/2

Michael Cooper. Author discusses “Foxes in the Vineyard,” his novel about a son searching for his archaeologist father on eve of Israeli War of Independence. Part of Under One Tent Contra Costa Jewish Book Festival. At Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 10 a.m. Free. www.jfed.org/bookfestival.

monday/3

“Jewball.” Neal Pollack discusses his novel about 1930s Jewish basketball players in the middle of a conspiracy. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 7 p.m. Free. www.siliconvalleyjcc.org.