friday/27
“Can Israel Be Both Jewish and Democratic?” First of series of Bay Area lectures by Rabbi Uri Regev, founding president of Hiddush–Freedom of Religion for Israel, on the political and religious climate in Israel and the role of American Jewry. Service followed by dinner and talk. At Congregation Rodef Sholom, 170 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 6:15 p.m. worship, 7:30 dinner, $20. RSVP requested. (415) 479-3441 or [email protected]. For full schedule of lectures, see page 4.
sunday/1
“The Israeli Election Campaign.” Eran Kaplan, S.F. State chair of Israeli studies, discusses issues, leaders and parties. Sponsored by Israel engagement committee of Congregation B’nai Shalom. At B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 7 p.m. $10-$15. (925) 934-9446 ext. 100
Jewish genealogy clinic. Brainstorm family history at a roundtable with genealogists. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. Noon to 2 p.m. Free. www.jewishcommunitylibrary.org
tuesday/3
“How Does Jewish Law in Israel Affect Reform and Secular Jews?” With Samuel Wolfman of Israel’s International Center for Health, Law and Ethics. At Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, Lafayette. 7 p.m. Free. [email protected]
“U.S. Jews and Israel: An Evolving Relationship.” Lecture by Marc Dollinger, Jewish studies chair at S.F. State. At Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St., S.F. 7:30 p.m. Free. www.shaarzahav.org
“The Origins of Anti-Semitism in Europe.” Lecture by Sonoma State University professor Barry Preisler. Part of SSU’s Holocaust lecture series. At Sonoma State, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 4 p.m. Free. www.sonoma.edu
sunday/8
“Day of Learning: Remember With Responsibility.” Featuring 18 workshops for students in grades 8 to 12 and educators seeking an in-depth understanding of the Holocaust and genocide. Lunch provided. Preregistration required. At Galileo High School, 1150 Francisco St., S.F. 12 to 5 p.m. Free. www.jfcs.org/services/holocaust-center/day-of-learning
“The Language Wars.” Discussion about languages spoken in Jewish homes throughout history and their impact on Jewish identity. Sponsored by Lehrhaus Judaica. At San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin St. 2 to 4 p.m. Free. (510) 845-6420
tuesday/10
“Is It Good for the Jews? California Jews.” Marc Dollinger, Jewish studies chair at S.F. State University and author, discusses California Jewish history, both illustrious and scandalous. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 8 p.m. $15. www.paloaltojcc.org
“BLC Panel: Building, Evolving and Optimizing.” Professionals from Business Leadership Council of the Jewish Community Federation will talk about how successful companies establish, grow and protect their brands. At Duane Morris LLP, 2475 Hanover St., Palo Alto. 6 p.m. $18-$50. (415) 369-2875 or [email protected]
“The Concept of Genocide.” Lecture by Sonoma State University professor Myrna Goodman. Part of Holocaust lecture series. At Sonoma State, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 4 p.m. Free. www.sonoma.edu
wednesday/11
“Thoughts on the Arab and Israeli Springs.” Avishai Margalit, author and New York Review of Books contributor, offers his perspective on the upheavals in the Middle East and North Africa. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $15. www.jccsf.org
“Like Dreamers: The Israeli Paratroopers Who Reunited Jerusalem and Divided a Nation.” Lecture by author and journalist Yossi Klein Halevi. Preceded by reception. At Boalt Hall, Berkeley Institute for Jewish Law and Israeli Studies, Berkeley. 5 p.m. Free. www.law.berkeley.edu/JLILES.htm