sunday/6
“But Both Their Hands Reach Out.” Hannah Seltzer discusses the ideology and father-son relationship in S. Yizhar’s book “Preliminaries.” At Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley. 10 a.m. Free. www.netivotshalom.org
“Genealogy Clinic: Brainstorming with the Mavens.” Bring 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
sunday/13
“By the Rivers of Babylon — the First Judeans in Babylonian Exile.” Laurie Pearce, Assyriology lecturer at U.C. Berkeley, discusses the integration of Jewish exiles in Babylonia after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. At Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. 9:30 a.m. Free. www.emanuelsf.org
“American Jews and Christmas.” Jewish history scholar Shaina Hammerman leads discussion of the often fraught relationship between American Jews and Christmas. Sponsored by Lehrhaus Judaica. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 9:30 a.m. Free. (510) 845-6420
“Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Conversion to Judaism.” Dawn Kepler, who leads the interfaith program Building Jewish Bridges, answers questions. Sponsored by Lehrhaus Judaica. At Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 10:30 a.m. Free. (510) 845-6420