saturday/24
Poets Marcia Falk and Melissa Stein. Celebration of Jewish-themed poetry with readings of local poets’ new works, followed by Q&A. At Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. 7 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.kehillasynagogue.org
sunday/25
“The House of Twenty Thousand Books.” Journalist and author Sasha Abramsky discusses his homage to the incredible library and renowned salon created by his grandparents. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 1:30 p.m. Free. www.jewishcommunitylibrary.org
tuesday/27
“The Orpheus Clock.” Simon Goodman discusses his book about his search for his family’s art collection, which was stolen by the Nazis. At the Magnes, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. 7 p.m. Free. www.magnes.org
wednesday/28
“Jewish Noir.” Readings from anthology by Summer Brenner, Melanie Dante and Stephen Jay Schwartz, followed by a discussion of crime and Jewish fiction with editor Kenneth Wishnia. At Books Inc., 1491 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 7 p.m. Free. Also Oct. 30 at Green Apple Books, 506 Clement St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. Also talks by Wishnia at 7 p.m. Oct. 31 at Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, and 3 p.m. Nov. 1 at Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. $5. www.kennethwishnia.com
“The Mystics of Mile End.” Sigal Samuel discusses her debut novel about Hassidim in Montreal. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. www.jewishcommunitylibrary.org (See story, 17a)
thursday/5
“Hope Into Practice.” Jewish Voice for Peace co-founder Penny Rosenwasser discusses her book, subtitled “Jewish Women Choosing Justice Despite Our Fears.” At Moishe House East Bay, 636 Santa Ray Ave., Oakland. 7:30 p.m. Free, but RSVP requested. www.pennyrosenwasser.com