sunday/15
“Jews and the Environment: What Would Moses Say?” Bay Area director of Hazon Deborah Newbrun discusses Jewish efforts to promote environmental sustainability. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 11:30 a.m. Free. www.oaklandsinai.org.
tuesday/17
“Separation of Church and State in American Law and Practice.” Nancy Appel, Anti-Defamation League associate regional director, discusses the topic and its implication in daily life. At Congregation Shir Hadash 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. 7:15 p.m. Free. www.shirhadash.org.
friday/20
“Turmoil in the Middle East.” AIPAC’s regional director Valerie Hoffman discusses how conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa affect U.S.-Israeli relations. At Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills. 6:15 p.m. Free. www.betham.org.
sunday/22
Biblical botany. Torah Flora’s Jon Greenberg leads discussion. Includes dinner with beer and wine pairings. 21 and older. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 6 p.m. $15-$25. Also Dec. 25 tour of biblical botany. At San Francisco Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park, S.F. 10:30 a.m. $10; children younger than 12 free. Limited to 24 people. RSVP at www.torahflora.org.