friday/13

Saxe Family Scholar-in-Residence. Tamara Cohn Eskenazi, professor of Bible at Hebrew Union College, discusses the prophets and prophetic Judaism. At Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills. 6:15 p.m. service, 7:30 dinner event. Also March 14 at 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Talks free; $10-$25 dinner with reservations required. www.betham.org/node/5195

saturday/14

“Ignite: Enlighten Us, But Make It Quick!” Series of five-minute educational presentations, including “Trees, Twigs and Tales: Jewish Family Histories” and “Hidden Women of the Bible: Their Lives and Loves.” At Glaser Center, 545 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 7 p.m. $18-$20. Includes snacks and wine. www.jccsoco.org

sunday/15

“Translation, Migration, Conversation: New Directions in Jewish Bible Translation and Beyond.” Robert Alter, Chana Bloch and Everett Fox discuss the impact of geographical displacement and language on religion and scriptural translation. At Graduate Theological Union, 2401 Ridge Road, Berkeley. 3:45 p.m. Free. [email protected]

“Italian Jewry in the Early Modern Period.” Half-hour video lecture about Jewish émigrés from 1492 Spain. Q&A to follow. At Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. 4 p.m. Free. www.kolhadash.org

“Raising the Roof: Jewish Stunts, Moves and Styles.” Two-day Jewish dance workshop for all levels. Part of Jewish Music Festival. At JCC, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 7:30 p.m. Also March 19. $15 per class or $25 for both. www.jewishmusicfestival.org

wednesday/18

“Exploring Mark Rothko.” Biographer Annie Cohen- Solal explores the work and life of the abstract expressionist artist, including his Jewish values, his complex relationship with the Talmud and his doubts. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $25. www.jccsf.org

thursday/19

“Conflict and Compromise on Capitol Hill.” Lecture by author and political journalist David Mark. Sponsored by the Sequoia Chapter of Hadassah. At Congregation Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Ave., Palo Alto. 7:30 p.m. $20. [email protected]

“Kabbalah: Jewish Mystical Imagination.” Rabbi Lawrence Kushner discusses the Jewish mystical tradition, its relevance and its risks. Sponsored by Congregation Emanu-El. At Mechanic’s Institute, 57 Post St., S.F. 12 p.m. $18-$25. www.emanuelsf.org

sunday/22

Chabon,Waldman to chat … in public. Michael Chabon (“Telegraph Avenue,” “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay”) and Ayelet Waldman (“Love and Treasure,” “The Mommy-Track Mysteries”) are not only each prolific authors, but husband and wife. In a public conversation, the Berkeley parents of four will discuss their creative processes, their impact on each other as partners and writers, and how their Jewish identity figures into their work. Audience Q&A and book signing to follow.

7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 22 at Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. $25-$35. www.paloaltojcc.org/chabonwaldman

“Yoga for Passover.” Julie Emden leads Jewish-themed Iyengar-based yoga practice. No previous experience required. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 2 to 4 p.m. $20. Also March 29 at Fourth Street Yoga, 1809 Fourth St., Berkeley. 2 to 4 p.m. $18. [email protected]

“Sacred Joy Jewish Yoga for New Moms.” Gentle yoga with Jewish themes led by Rabbi Mychal Copeland. At Blossom Birth, 299 S. California Ave., Suite 120, Palo Alto. 3:30 p.m. $10. Pre-registration encouraged. (415) 878-1998 or [email protected]

tuesday/24

“Becoming Evil.” Lecture by James Waller, chair of Holocaust and genocide studies at Keene State College in New Hampshire. Part of SSU’s 32nd Holocaust lecture series. At Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 4 p.m. Free. www.sonoma.edu

wednesday/25

“The Non-Jew in the Synagogue.” Dawn Kepler leads a workshop on synagogue customs and traditions for non-Jewish partners in interfaith relationships. Co-sponsored by Lehrhaus Judaica and Building Jewish Bridges. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 7:30 p.m. Free. (510) 845-6420