saturday/15

“In Defense of Our People.” Education program focusing on threats to the Jewish community. Includes workshops, lunch and a briefing on global security. At the Krav Maga Institute, 1030 Duane Ave., Santa Clara. 12 to 3 p.m. Free. zoawestcoast.com

monday/17

“JRI-Poland: Go for the Record!” Presentation on the Jewish Records Indexing–Poland project by Robinn Magid, sponsored by the San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society. Light kosher refreshments. At Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills. 7:30 p.m. Free. www.jewishgen.org/sfbajgs

thursday/20

“Compassionate Conversations: An Interfaith Retreat.” Multi-day retreat focusing on the practices of and dialogue between Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism, led by Tenzin Chogkyi, clinical counselor Zvi Bellin, Imam Tariq Aquil and the Rev. Cyprian Consiglio. At the Vajrapani Institute, Boulder Creek. Through Aug. 23. Free. Register at www.vajrapani.org

sunday/23

Eilon Adar

California water crisis: Israel’s solutions. Professor Eilon Adar of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev joins a panel of local experts at Peninsula Temple Sholom to discuss California’s water crisis and the Israeli drought solutions that can help alleviate it. This event also includes a home water recycling demonstration. Earlier the same day, Adar will address the MEICOR club at Rossmoor.

6 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23 at Peninsula Temple Sholom, 1655 Sebastian Drive, Burlingame. Free, but donations accepted. www.prideinourpeople.com. Also 2 p.m. at the Rossmoor Hillside Club House, 3400 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek. Free. (925) 938-4738.