sunday/4
“Super Secret Spies in Hollywood.” Lauren Rosenzweig discusses the untold story of Jewish film industry executives who funded an operation to collect evidence of Nazi sedition. Sponsored by Jewish Historical Society of Napa Valley. At Congregation Beth Shalom, 1455 Elm St., Napa. 4 p.m. Members free, $5 suggested donation for others. Wine and cheese reception follows. RSVP to [email protected]
thursday/8
“Jewish Ethics for Our Lives: The Art of Mussar.” Discussion about personal transformation, led by Rabbi Susan Leider of Congregation Kol Shofar. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 11:30 a.m. Free, but registration requested. www.marinjcc.org
“Taste of Judaism: Are You Curious?” First of a three-part introductory course led by Rabbi Laurence Elis Milder about the spirituality, ethics and community of Judaism. Part of Contra Costa Jewish Book & Arts Festival. At Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. 7:30 p.m. Also Oct. 15 and 22. Free. www.jfed.org/underonetent
saturday/10
Introduction to the Zohar. Professor Daniel Matt reads and discusses sections from his translations of the first nine books. Sponsored by Jewish Community Library and Lehrhaus Judaica. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 2 p.m. Free (510) 845-6420
sunday/11
“The Queen of Sheba’s Lost Children.” Multimedia presentation by Ken Blady exploring the origins, culture and history of the Beta Israel of Ethiopia. At Cultural Integration Fellowship, 2650 Fulton St., S.F. 11 a.m. Free, but donations accepted. www.culturalintegrationfellowship.org
Israel and BDS. Dr. Michael Harris of StandWithUs discusses the history of the BDS movement and effective strategies for countering it and advocating for Israel. Co-sponsored by Temple Emanu-El and the Addison-Penzak JCC. At Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University Ave., San Jose. 11 a.m. Free, but RSVP requested. [email protected] or www.apjcc.org
“Constitutional Politics in a Jewish and Democratic State: The Israeli Supreme Court, Minority Rights and National Identity.” Law professor Ori Aronson of U.C. Berkeley discusses the changing character and identity of Israel. At Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley. 10 a.m. Free. (510) 525-8717
“The Pickle Man.” Demonstration and workshop on making pickles, Lower East Side style. Participants take home a jar. Part of the Contra Costa Jewish Book & Arts Festival. At Chabad of Contra Costa, 1671 Newell Ave., Walnut Creek. 5 p.m. $10. www.jfed.org/underonetent
wednesday/14
“Role Reversals: When Adult Children Become Their Parents’ Caregivers.” Presentation by Diana Klein, regional director of Sonoma County Jewish Family and Children’s Services. At Congregation Beth Ami, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. 5:30 p.m. Free, but RSVP requested. (707) 571-8131 or [email protected]
“Love and Treasure.” Author Ayelet Waldman discusses her novel, a love story centered around the Hungarian Gold Train in World War II. Part of the Contra Costa Jewish Book & Arts Festival. At Congregation B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek. 7 p.m. $5. www.jfed.org/underonetent