sunday/20
“Stories from the Old Country.” Learn how to tell Yiddish stories to friends and family with creative writer Joel ben Izzy. Followed by dinner and “An Evening of Yiddish Tales,” performed by ben Izzy. Workshop from 4 to 6 p.m., kosher dinner from 6 to 7 p.m., performance at 7 p.m. All events free. At Koret Pavilion, Hillel at Stanford, 565 Mayfield Ave., Stanford. http://hillel.stanford.edu/get-involved/events-calendar.
“Hope and Reality for Israel.” Riva Gambert, director of the Partnership for Israel program at the Jewish Federation of the East Bay, moderates a discussion about the safety and survival of Israel. At Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 7 p.m. $10; students free. www.bshalom.org.
tuesday/22
“To Catch an Anti-Semite.” Rabbi David Nesenoff discusses his encounter with White House senior press corps member Helen Thomas (who died earlier this year), who made controversial remarks to him about Jews and Israel. JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7:30 p.m. $18. www.chabadsf.org.
wednesday/23
“Ethics in the Field: An Inside Look at the Israel Defense Forces.” IDF Col. Bentzi Gruber discusses ethics while combating terrorism. At Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 150 E. San Fernando St., San Jose. 6:30 p.m. Free; RSVP requested. www.hillelsv.org.
thursday/24
“Bites for Jewish Justice.” Rabbi Corey Helfand speaks about how to translate spiritual potential into daily action. Bring a bag lunch. At American Jewish World Service, 131 Steuart St., S.F. 12:30 p.m. Free. www.awjs.org.
saturday/26
Middle East challenges. Andy David, Israel’s consul general to the Pacific Northwest, speaks about Israel’s role in the future of the Middle East. At Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. 7:30 p.m. Free. www.bethemek.org.
wednesday/30
“A Wide Angle: Perspectives on a Democratic Israel.” Diplomat Dennis Ross speaks about the Middle East. At Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford University, 471 Lagunita Drive, Stanford. 7 p.m. Free. http://hillel.stanford.edu/get-involved/calendar.