sunday/9
“A Guide for the Perplexed.” Book club facilitator Jim Van Buskirk leads drop-in discussion on Dara Horn’s novel about memory and technology. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 2 p.m. Free. www.jewishlearningworks.org/library.
“Overweight Sensation: The Life and Comedy of Allan Sherman.” Author Mark Cohen discusses the life of the Grammy-winning comedian and plays some of his music, including the 1963 hit “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah.” At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 4 p.m. Free. www.marinjcc.org.
thursday/13
“Jewish Radicals.” Editor Tony Michels discusses the history of Jewish political radicalism in the U.S. prior to World War II. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. www.jewishlearningworks.org/library.
wednesday/19
Tent event. Anita Diamant, author of “The Red Tent,” a work of historical fiction narrated by Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, speaks about her work, followed by a Q&A session. Diamant has written a dozen books, fiction and nonfiction, on topics ranging from Jewish mourning rituals to how to raise Jewish children and how to live a Jewish life. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 at Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael.$5-$7. www.marinjcc.org. Also 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb 20 at Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 7 p.m. $5-$7. www.scjcc.org
“Known and Unknown: Exploring the Stunning Breadth of Holocaust Literature.” Author Alan Rosen discusses his new book, “Literature of the Holocaust.” At Jewish Community High School, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 4 p.m. Free; RSVP requested. www.jchsofthebay.org.