wednesday/5
“Is Remembrance the Secret to Redemption?” Rabbi Peretz Wolf-Prusan discusses the story of the assassination of Gedalia, the Jewish governor of ancient Judah, and the lessons behind it. Co-sponsored by Lehrhaus Judaica. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 7 p.m. $8-$12. www.jcceastbay.org/days-of-awe
Sharing his jokes with the whole class: KQED “Forum” host and S.F. State professor Michael Krasny has taken to the road to talk about “Let There Be Laughter,” his new book about Jewish jokes and humor. He’ll appear at the Commonwealth Club in conversation with actor Peter Coyote, onstage at the Osher Marin JCC and at a host of other Bay Area venues.
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5 at Commonwealth Club, 555 Post St., S.F. $7-$45. Also Oct. 9 at Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 5:30 p.m. $15-$25. www.tinyurl.com/krasny-events
thursday/6
“Starting with Ourselves: Anti-Racism ‘Open Space.’” Group discussion about the Jewish response to racism. Sponsored by Bend the Arc. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 7 p.m. Free, but RSVP requested. www.jcceastbay.org/days-of-awe
saturday/8
“Writing our Book of Life.” Writing workshop to help prepare for the High Holy Days, led by Rabbi Dorothy Richman. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 8 p.m. Also Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. $8. www.jcceastbay.org/days-of-awe
sunday/9
Jewish genealogy clinic. Bring questions for one-on-one guidance from experts. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 12 p.m. Free, but registration encouraged. www.jewishgen.org/sfbajgs
“Being Black, Asian, Danish and Jewish: Taking Charge of your Jewish Identity.” How Jews from blended backgrounds can handle difficult questions. Led by Kim Carter Martinez, a biracial Jew. Sponsored by Lehrhaus Judaica and Building Jewish Bridges. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 3 p.m. Free, space is limited. www.tinyurl.com/being-identity