sunday/15
“The Healing Power of Humor … You Can’t Ruin My Day!” Author Allen Klein discusses his book. Co-sponsored by Reutlinger and Beth Chaim Congregation. Part of Contra Costa Jewish Book & Arts Festival. At Reutlinger, 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville. 2 p.m. $10. www.jfed.org/underonetent
“Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game.” Co-author Gregg Swain discusses his book about collectible mah-jongg sets and talks about the Jewish connection to the game. At Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, Lafayette. 3 p.m. $5-$7, plus $5 for mah-jongg set appraisal. www.temple-isaiah.org/woimahjongg
monday/16
“American Jewish History: Exploring the Sources.” S.F. State Jewish studies professor Marc Dollinger discusses his new book of historical documents on Jews in America. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. www.jewishcommunitylibrary.org
tuesday/17
40 years of toil on peace process. As a scholar, adviser and diplomat, Dennis Ross has helped shape American policy in the Middle East for nearly 40 years. Ross will touch down in the Bay Area to discuss his new book, “Doomed to Succeed: The U.S.-Israel Relationship From Truman to Obama,” and how the achievements and mistakes of the past affect policy today.
7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 at Peninsula Sinai Congregation, 499 Boothbay Ave., Foster City. 7 p.m. $24, preregistration required. www.pjcc.org/dennisross
“When Europe Was a Prison Camp.” Author Peter Schrag will discuss his new book combining the 1941 memoirs of his late father, Otto, and his own memories starting in the 1980s. At Institute of Governmental Studies, 109 Moses Hall, U.C. Berkeley. 4 p.m. Free. www.igs.berkeley.edu/events (See story, 21)
Maggie Anton. Author of historical-fiction series “Rashi’s Daughters” and “Rav Hisda’s Daughter” will discuss the research behind her novels and how sorcery, demons and magic fit into Jewish tradition. At Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City. 7:30 p.m. Free. (650) 366-8483
thursday/19
Dani Klein Modisett. Dinner talk by comedian and author about her book “Take My Spouse, Please.” At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Valley Road, Los Gatos. 7 p.m. $18-$25, includes meal and a copy of the book. www.jvalley.org
sunday/22
“The Rabbi’s Knight.” Michael J. Cooper discusses his book set in Israel near the end of the Crusades. Part of Contra Costa Jewish Book & Arts Festival. At Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 10 a.m. Free. www.jfed.org/underonetent
“The Golems of Paris and Hollywood.” Berkeley author Jesse Kellerman discusses his books, co-written with his father, Jonathan, that follow Detective Jacob Lev as he unravels mysteries fraught with religious mythology. Part of Contra Costa Jewish Book & Arts Festival. At Beth Chaim Congregation, 1800 Holbrook Road, Danville. 3 p.m. Free. www.jfed.org/underonetent