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]
sunday/2
“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. 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
“Bake Your Own Bagels Workshop.” Bagel-making demonstration and tasting. Participants receive take-home starter to bake their own bagels. Portion of proceeds 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 p.m. Free, but registration encouraged. www.jewishlearningworks.org/library
“Wisdom and Ritual in Aging.” Rabbi Andrea Berlin leads discussion on lessons about aging found in Scriptures and rabbinic sources. Part of “Exploring the World of Judaism” speaker series. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 9:15 a.m. Free. www.oaklandsinai.org/calendar
“Understanding Medieval Anti-Semitism.” Video lecture about how the image of the Jew as evil or demonic became popular in Western Europe. Followed by discussion and Q&A. At Albany Community Center,1249 Marin Ave., Albany. 4 p.m. Free. www.kolhadash.org
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. Separate 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
By pen or by sword. The theme of this year’s Literary Death Match is “Episode Jewish,” with four talented writers reading their witty takes on Torah commentary. A panel of judges will decide which contestant walks away with bragging rights in this often raucous competition: Time magazine staff writer Joel Stein, Found magazine creator Davy Rothbart, comedic writer Gabe Delahaye or local food writer and restaurateur Karen Leibowitz. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 at Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F. For 21 and older. $5-$10, includes museum admission. www.thecjm.org
“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 at 5 p.m., lecture at 5:45 p.m. Free. www.law.berkeley.edu
sunday/9
“Jewish Wisdom at Journey’s End.” Temple Sinai Rabbi Jacqueline Mates-Muchin leads discussion of Jewish burial and mourning practices. Q&A and refreshments to follow. At Home of Eternity Cemetery, 5000 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 1 p.m. Free, but registration requested at (510) 325-7073 or [email protected]
“Walter Benjamin’s Judaism.” Discussion about the 20th century German Jewish intellectual and literary critic, led by author and beat poet David Meltzer and U.C. Berkeley history professor Martin Jay. Part of weeklong symposium about Benjamin. At Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F. 12:30 p.m. Included with museum admission. www.thecjm.org
monday/10
“Aging Parents: What You Need To Know.” Seminar on how to help parents prepare for the years ahead. Sponsored by Jewish Family and Children’s Services. At Finley Center, 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. 5 p.m. Free, but RSVP requested. (707) 543-4900
tuesday/11
“Jews and the Civil Rights Movement.” San Francisco State University Jewish studies professor Marc Dollinger discusses the quest for racial justice. Part of “Is It Good for the Jews?” lecture series. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7:30 p.m. $15. www.paloaltojcc.org
“Is It As Bad As It Appears?” Discussion of current affairs in Israel with Herb Keinon, diplomatic correspondent for the Jerusalem Post. At Congregation Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Ave., Palo Alto. 8 p.m. Free. www.kolemeth.org
wednesday/12
“Socially Responsible Investing: Doing Well and Doing Good.” Investment experts discuss how institutions can align their missions with their portfolios. At Farella Braun + Martel, 235 Montgomery St., S.F. 6 p.m. $18-$50. (415) 369-2875 or [email protected]