sunday/18

“Susan RoAne: The Mingling Maven.” Author of “How to Work a Room” leads interactive workshop on socializing and networking. At Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 3 p.m. Free. www.afikomen.com

monday/19

MLK Jr. Multifaith Day of Service. Peninsula synagogues and Jewish organizations will take part in a day of service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Sponsored by Peninsula Multifaith Coalition. Starting locations and work sites given upon registration. From 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free. www.peninsulamultifaith.org

Oshman Family JCC Mitzvah Day. Join community members for a day of tikkun olam in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Participants will work in small groups on projects addressing poverty, hunger, aging, children, the environment and more. At OFJCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Project times staggered throughout the day. Free. www.paloaltojcc.org

tuesday/20

FAFSA cash for college workshop. JFCS offers free assistance on completing the 2015-2016 application for federal student aid, plus information on additional resources for scholarships, grants and loans. At Jewish Family and Children’s Services, 600 Fifth Ave., San Rafael. Also Jan. 22 at JFCS, 200 Channing Way, Palo Alto. Also Jan. 27 at JFCS, 2001 Winward Way, San Mateo. 6 p.m. Free. www.jfcs.org

“Jews by Choice, Jews by Chance: Leadership in Bay Area Jewish Life.” Rabbi Susan Leider, Brandeis Hillel Day School Marin head Peg Sandel and J. editor Sue Fishkoff talk about their journeys to Judaism and how it has affected their leadership roles. Moderated by S.F. State Jewish studies professor Marc Dollinger. At Congregation Kol Shofar, 215 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon. 7 p.m. Free. www.kolshofar.org (See story, 7)

wednesday/21

“With Heart in Mind: Jewish Practices for Personal Transformation.” Mussar Institute dean Alan Morinis will present  Mussar teachings and practices that lead to wisdom for navigating life as a mensch with a strong and open heart. At Congregation Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Ave., Palo Alto. 8p.m. Free    Also Jan. 25 at Chochmat HaLev, 2215 Prince St., Berkeley. 7 p.m. $20-$25. www.chochmat.org

thursday/22

“The Power of Women, with Carol Leifer.” Featuring a performance by the author and comedian, and presentation honoring Jewish community activist Robin Sabes. At Fourth Street Garage, Summit Center, San Jose. 6 p.m. $72-$108. www.jvalley.org/calendar/power-of-women

sunday/25

“Jewbilee: A Day of Jewish Learning.” Afternoon of Jewish education–related programming, featuring classes, workshops and performances for all ages. Kosher food provided by L’Chaim Sushi. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 1 to 8 p.m. $8-$10. www.svjcc.org

“Love, Death and School in Russian Jewish Life.” Professor Steven Zipperstein discusses Jewish life at turn of the 20th century. At Congregation Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Ave., Palo Alto. 10:15 a.m. Free. www.kolemeth.org

“Earth Under Stress: Changing Climate and Soaring Population.” Discussion of Jewish ethical considerations on climate change and population growth featuring panel of experts from Sonoma State University and the Center for Climate Protection. At Congregation Shomrei Torah, 2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. 3 p.m. Free. www.cstsr.org

“Poland: The New Jewish Frontier.” Ellie Shapiro, director of the Jewish Music Festival and a Fulbright scholar who spent a year in Poland, discusses the country’s return to democracy and its Jewish legacy. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 4 p.m. $10. www.jewishmusicfestival.org

monday/26

“Israel Rising in the Desert: What Israel Can Teach Us About Living With Drought.” Presentation by Eran Kaplan, professor at S.F. State. Sponsored by Temple Sinai and Jewish LearningWorks’ “Exploring the World of Judaism” speaker series. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 9:30 a.m. Free. (510) 451-3262 or [email protected]

thursday/29

Roger Cohen (left) and Leon Wieseltier

Journalists on the state of the Jews. New York Times columnist Roger Cohen and former New Republic literary critic Leon Wieseltier will come together for a discussion of global Jewish identity, reflecting on European anti-Semitism past and present, the effects of “otherness” on the Jewish narrative and the current state of journalism. The event includes a book signing for Cohen’s new family memoir, “The Girl from Human Street,” a cross-section of 20th century European Jewish history and one family’s personal chronicle.

7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29 at JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. $25-$35. www.jccsf.org