sunday/26
“Journeys of the Soul: A Kabbalistic Perspective on the Meaning of Life.” Lecture by Lisa Aiken. At Congregation Adath Israel, 1851 Noriega St., S.F. 7:30 p.m. Free. (415) 564-5655
monday/27
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
tuesday/28
Combating anti-Semitism. Why is anti-Semitism on the rise again in Europe? How does Israel factor in? Can anything be done to stop it? These and other questions will be addressed by a panel discussion with the regional consul generals of Israel, Germany, Hungary and Sweden, as well as Rabbi Doug Kahn, executive director of the S.F.-based Jewish Community Relations Council. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 at Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. Free. www.emanuelsf.org/specialevents
Miracle at Entebbe. On June 27, 1976, terrorists hijacked an Air France plane, landed it in Entebbe, Uganda, and took the Israeli and Jewish passengers hostage, threatening to kill them. It was only through the efforts of an Israel Defense Forces’ overnight rescue mission that 102 people were saved a week later. IDF paratrooper Sassy Reuven, who took part in Operation Entebbe, will discuss his experience. Part of Contra Costa Jewish Book & Arts Festival. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 at Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $10. www.jfed.org/underonetent
thursday/30
“The Celebrations of Diwali and Hanukkah.” Learn about the two “Festivals of Light,” hear about current events in India and Israel, and sample traditional holiday foods from both cultures. Co-sponsored by American Jewish Congress San Francisco and the Hindu American Foundation. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 7 p.m. $5-$10. (415) 777-3820
“Day of Philanthropy.” A full day of lectures and workshops by professionals about finances, philanthropy and international issues. Includes community lunch and networking reception. Sponsored by Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund. At Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St., S.F. 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Prices vary. (415) 512-6207 (See story, 3b)
“Honoring the Forgotten Refugees.” Ceremony honors the 850,000 Jews displaced from North Africa and the Middle East in the 20th century. Kicks off International Mizrahi Remembrance Month. Guests include Israeli Consul General Andy David, JIMENA co-founder Semha Alwaya and visiting Israeli artist Yair Harel. At Congregation Beth Sholom, 301 14th Ave., S.F. 7 p.m. Free, but RSVP requested. www.bethsholomsf.org
saturday/1
“SPCA Animal Blessing.” Bring pets of any kind for a blessing from Rabbi Camille Angel at the SPCA’s pan-denominational animal blessing. Adoption fees will be waived for the day for animals 6 months and older. At SFSPCA, 201 Alabama St., S.F. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Free. (415) 307-0262 or [email protected]
“Buried Treasures: An Underground History Walk.” Celebrate the 125th anniversary of Jewish cemeteries in Colma with a day of exploration and activities, including an interactive “treasure hunt” tour. Refreshments provided, as well as special gifts for treasure hunters. At Hills of Eternity/Home of Peace Cemeteries, 1299/1301 El Camino Blvd., Colma. 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free. www.emanuelsf.org/buriedtreasures
sunday/2
“Bake Your Own Bagels Workshop.” Step-by-step bagel making demonstration and tasting. Participants receive take-home starter to bake their own bagels. Portion of proceeds will go to the Alameda County Community Food Bank. At Laurie’s Kitchen, Claremont and College avenues, Berkeley. 2 p.m. $65. www.BakeYourOwnAmazingBagels.com
“Help with Your Family Tree: Brainstorming with the Mavens.” Bring genealogy questions for one-on-one guidance with experienced genealogists. At Jewish Community Library, 1825 Ellis St., S.F. 12 to 2 p.m. Free, but registration encouraged. www.jewishcommunitylibrary.org
“Wisdom and Ritual in Aging.” Rabbi Andrea Berlin leads discussion on lessons about aging taught by Scriptures and rabbinic sources, and how to incorporate them into our lives. Part of “Exploring the World of Judaism” speaker series. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 9:15 a.m. Free. www.oaklandsinai.org/EWJSpeakerSeries
monday/3
“Red Star Over the Shtetl: Nostalgia in Post-Soviet Jewish Culture Around the Globe.” Anna Shternshis, associate professor of Yiddish studies at University of Toronto, talks about the adoption of Yiddish language and culture by Russian musicians after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Presentations in English and Yiddish. At CCSRE Conference Room, Bldg. 360, Stanford University, Stanford. 12 p.m. in English, 4 p.m. in Yiddish. Free. http://jewishstudies.stanford.edu
tuesday/4
“Talking About Israel: Jews and Muslims.” Discussion about events in the Middle East, the Israel-Palestinian conflict and the relationships between Jews and Muslims around the world. Led by Rabbi Donniel Hartman and Imam Abdullah Antepli, co-founders of the Shalom Hartman Institute Muslim Leadership Initiative. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $15. www.jccsf.org
“The Trouble With Democracy After Communism.” Polish Jewish activist and journalist Adam Michnik discusses dilemmas in contemporary politics. At Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F. 5:30 p.m. $7-$20. www.commonwealthclub.org
wednesday/5
“Judaism and Living Plant-Sourced Diets.” Discussion of Jewish traditions and practices as they relate to eating a living and plant-sourced diet, led by Rabbi Steven Fisdel and chef Chaya-Ryvka Diehl. Includes dinner. At Opera Plaza Community Room, 601 Van Ness Ave., S.F. 6 p.m. $15. www.tinyurl.com/livefaithfood
thursday/6
“Yoga with a Jewish Twist.” Julie Emden leads a gentle, beginner-friendly Iyengar yoga class infused with teachings and themes from the Torah. No yoga experience necessary. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 7 p.m. $18. (510) 845-6420
“Jewish Journeys: One Road, Many People.” Rabbi Dovber Berkowitz of Chabad of Contra Costa and Rabbi Emeritus Shelley Waldenberg of Temple Isaiah in Lafayette discuss their personal journeys through life and Judaism. Part of Contra Costa Jewish Book & Arts Festival. At Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. 7:30 p.m. Free. www.jfed.org/underonetent
“Maimonides on Mourning: Jewish Law and Emotion.” Moshe Halbertal, senior fellow at Shalom Hartman Institute and professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, is speaker at the Robbins Collection Lecture in Jewish Law and Thought. At Bancroft Hotel, 2680 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. Reception precedes at 5 p.m., lecture at 5:45 p.m. Free. www.law.berkeley.edu