monday/29
Middle East discussion group. A member-led, informal roundtable discussion about current events in the Middle East. At Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F. 5:30 p.m. Free, but registration required. www.commonwealthclub.org
thursday/2
Deconstructing shmita. The first of a series of three evening conversations about Jewish life and culture, “Give It a Rest: Food Rituals and the Biblical Sabbatical Year” focuses on the significance of shmita, both historically and in today’s world. Panelists include Urban Adamah’s Adam Berman, U.C. Berkeley professor Asa Bradman and Bay Area artist Merav Tzur. The event is presented by the Jewish Federation of the East Bay and Magnes Museum Foundation in partnership with J. 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 at the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. Free. (510) 839-2900 or www.jfed.org/ideasoflate
tuesday/7
“The State of Global Anti-Semitism.” Anti-Defamation League regional associate director Vlad Khaykin discusses key findings from the ADL’s recent global study of anti-Semitism. At Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga. 7:30 p.m. Free. http://sanfrancisco.adl.org