friday/9
“Brooklyn and Botanicals.” Opening of exhibit of black-and-white photos by William Castellana capturing textures and traditions of Satmar Hassidic way of life in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn. At Museo Italo Americano, Fort Mason Center, Bldg. C, at Marina Blvd. and Laguna St., S.F. Through Jan. 15. Museum hours: 12-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Free. www.museoitaloamericano.org
sunday/11
“The Venice Ghetto at 500: A Tale of Isolation, Exclusion, Money and Moxie.” U.C. Santa Cruz professor Murray Baumgarten discusses how Italian Jews were repressed and empowered during the Renaissance. At Museo Italo Americano, Fort Mason Center, Bldg. C, at Marina Blvd. and Laguna St., S.F. 4:30 p.m. $5, members free. www.museoitaloamericano.org
sunday/18
“We Are the Bridge: An Interfaith Art Exhibit.” Opening reception for showcase of works by more than 30 local artists of different faiths. Theme is reconciliation and bridge-building. Artists on hand to discuss their works. Exhibit runs through Jan. 7. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 1-3 p.m. Free. www.marinjcc.org/interfaith-exhibit
“From Venice Ghetto 1516 to Brooklyn 2016: Sequestration vs. Separation.” In conjunction with William Castellana photo exhibit, an illustrated lecture on Hassidic culture, history and lifestyle in America by U.C. Santa Cruz Jewish studies professor Nathaniel Deutsch. At Museo Italo Americano, Fort Mason Center, Bldg. C, at Marina Blvd. and Laguna St., S.F. 4:30 p.m. $5, members free. www.museoitaloamericano.org
wednesday/21
“Coming of Age in Jewish America: The Curious Case of the Bar and Bat Mitzvah.” U.C. Berkeley visiting scholar Patricia Keer Munro and sociology professor Claude Fischer discuss history and impact of bar/bat mitzvahs in America. Part of PopUp series. At the Magnes, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. 12 p.m. Free. www.magnes.berkeley.edu