sunday/14
Rebbe talk Bestselling author and scholar Rabbi Joseph Telushkin will discuss “Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson,” which explores the teachings and perspectives as well as the public and private life of one of the most influential rabbis of the 20th century. 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 14 at Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. $25-$30. www.paloaltojcc.org/rebbe. Also at 7 p.m. at JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. $15-$25. www.jccsf.org/arts-ideas
Lunch with Ayelet Waldman. Author discusses her new book, “Love and Treasure,” which follows the lives of three people connected through a precious item recovered after World War II. Cost includes lunch and a copy of the book. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 1 p.m. $18. www.svjcc.org/events.
wednesday/17
“Thirteen Days in September.” Pulitzer Prize–winning author Lawrence Wright discusses his new book detailing events around the 1978 Camp David meeting that resulted in Middle East peace treaty. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $25-$35. www.jccsf.org.
thursday/18
“Nightmares.” Actor Jason Segal reads from his new children’s book and talks about his life and work. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $15. www.jccsf.org.
“From the Holocaust to Darfur: The Story of Refugees from Genocide.” Led by HIAS. Speakers include Ahmed Adam, Sudan advisor at Columbia University. At the African American Art & Culture Complex, 762 Fulton St., S.F. 7 p.m. Also Sept. 19, Ziff Center, Stanford University, 565 Mayfield Ave., Stanford. 12 p.m. Free. www.tinyurl.com/holocaust2darfur.
“The Days Between.” Poet Marcia Falk discusses and reads passages from her new book, subtitled “Blessings, Poems and Directions of the Heart for the Jewish High Holiday Season.” At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 7:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.jcceastbay.org.