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 Emanu-El, 1010 University Ave., San Jose. 11 a.m. Free, but RSVP requested. [email protected] or www.apjcc.org
“Genealogy Clinic: Brainstorming with the Mavens.” Bring genealogy questions for one-on-one guidance with experts. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 12 to 2 p.m. Free, but registration encouraged. www.jewishlearningworks.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
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
“The Pickle Man.” Demonstration and workshop on making pickles, Lower East Side style. Participants take home a jar of pickles. Part of Contra Costa Jewish Book & Arts Festival. At Chabad of Contra Costa, 1671 Newell Ave., Walnut Creek. 5 p.m. $10. www.jfed.org/underonetent
tuesday/13
Sharing our stories. Enjoy kosher hors d’oeuvres and wine while celebrating the Jewish tradition of storytelling with “Alight: Your Story.” The evening will feature a performance by the Jewish Circle Theatre, a Bay Area troupe that fosters greater awareness of Israeli and American Jewish culture. Proceeds benefit the Alight Community Campaign and the Jewish Federation of the East Bay.
6:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 at the Magnes, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. $36. jfed.org/alightyourstory
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]
“Yearning to Breathe Free.” Presentation on the refugee crisis led by HIAS Kenya Director Winnie Gacheru and HIAS Vice President Riva Silverman. At Hillel at Stanford, Koret Pavilion, 565 Mayfield Ave., Stanford. 7 to 9 p.m. Free. (408) 357-7504 or [email protected]
thursday/15
“Taste of Judaism: Are You Curious?” Second 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. Also Oct. 22. 7:30 p.m. Free. www.jfed.org/underonetent
saturday/17
“Spirituality and the Anxious Search for Meaning.” Lecture by Stern Memorial scholar-in-residence Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman on how Judaism is evolving in response to modern life. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 11:30 a.m. Free. www.oaklandsinai.org
sunday/18
“Babel in Zion: Jews, Nationalism and Language Diversity in Palestine.” Presentation by Liora Halperin of the University of Colorado on the shifting power relationships of language. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St, S.F. 4:30 p.m. Free. www.jewishcommunitylibrary.org
tuesday/20
“Saved by Language.” Presentation by Susanna Zaraysky on her film about Sarajevo Sephardic Jew Moris Albahari, who saved his life during the Holocaust by speaking Ladino. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. www.jewishlearningworks.org. Also Oct. 21 at the Magnes, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. 12 p.m. Free. www.magnes.org
“How Is Israel Helping to Feed the World?” Jewish National Fund presentation by Hanni Arnon of the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training. At Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Redwood City. 7:30 p.m. Free. (415) 677-9600 ext. 973 or [email protected]
Discussion with anti-DOMA attorney. Kara Swisher interviews Roberta Kaplan, author-attorney who successfully argued against the Defense of Marriage Act before the Supreme Court. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7:30 p.m. $10-$35. www.paloaltojcc.org
thursday/22
“Do You Have One Jewish Parent?” Dawn Kepler and Rabbi Jacqueline Mates-Muchin lead a discussion about shared experiences and approaches for individuals with one Jewish parent. Sponsored by Lehrhaus Judaica. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 7:30 p.m. $10, free for members. (51) 845-6420 or oaklandsinai.org