friday/8
“Swing Shift.” Adaptation of stories from a book about the Kaiser Richmond Shipyards during World War II. Written by one of the yard’s Jewish workers who escaped Nazi-occupied Europe. Also Nov. 9-10. At the S.S. Red Oak Victory, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6A, Port of Richmond. 8 p.m. $20. www.ssredoakvictory.com.
saturday/9
“Shir Hashirim: A Theatrical Presentation by Ofra Daniel and Lior Ben-Hur.” A modern take on the drama and desire in King Solomon’s erotic poetry. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 8 p.m. $20-$25. www.jcceastbay.org. Also Nov. 10 at Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 7 p.m. $20. www.svjcc.org.
sunday/10
‘Latkes and Laughs’ Three veteran comics take the stage for a night of humor (plus latkes). Cathy Ladman, who has appeared on “The Tonight Show” nine times, joins recently unretired comedian Jimmy Gunn and Jeff Applebaum, who made his national television debut on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 at Temple Emanu-El , 1010 University Ave., San Jose. $18-$36. www.latkesandlaughs.com
thursday/14
If pens were swords. Literary Death Match, the competitive reading series, is teaming up with the Jewish agency Reboot in a literary battle for the ages. Four writers will read from their works in “Unscrolled,” a modern interpretation of the Torah, and get judged by three critics: a rabbi, a comedian and a short-story author. Tickets to the 21-and-older event include a drink coupon and admission to the Contemporary Jewish Museum. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 at the CJM, 736 Mission St., S.F. $10-$15. www.thecjm.org/calendar
tuesday/19
Let’s meet at the checkpoint. Beatboxer Yuri Lane performs his part hip-hop, part vox-pop concert about the Middle East. “From Tel Aviv to Ramallah: A Beatbox Journey” tells the story of two boys, one Israeli, the other Palestinian, who bond over hip-hop culture despite being separated by a border. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. Free. www.marinjcc.org
thursday/21
“Coney Island Christmas.” Donald Margulies’ comedy about a Jewish girl cast as Jesus in her school’s Christmas pageant. Through Dec. 22. At City Lights Theater Co., 529 Second St., San Jose. 8 p.m. $17-$30. www.cltc.org.