So much happens in our community every day that it can be hard to sift through all of the events. Each week we will highlight a few events, in every corner of the Jewish Bay Area, to get you started. You can find many more in J.’s online calendar. If you have a community event you’d like to share, go to J.’s “submit a calendar event” page.
SAN FRANCISCO
Wednesday | February 4
“Still Life in Israel” — Jessica Steinberg of the Times of Israel discusses current events in Israel in this talk subtitled “What Israeli Society Looks Like Right Now.” Presented by S.F. Congregation Beth Sholom and Tiburon Congregation Kol Shofar. At Beth Sholom, 301 14th Ave., S.F. 6 p.m. Free, registration required.
Thursday | February 5
“The Mattering Instinct” — Rebecca Newberger Goldstein discusses her new book subtitled “How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us and Divides Us” about humans’ desire to matter, in conversation with novelist-psychotherapist Yael Goldstein-Love. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7-8:30 p.m. $25.
NORTH BAY
Wednesday | February 4
U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East from Truman to Trump — Historian Daniel E. Zoughbie launches his new book “Kicking the Hornet’s Nest” about how U.S. presidents have contributed to turbulence in the Middle East, plus his hopes for a path forward. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $10.
EAST BAY
Wednesday | February 4
“Across the Table” — Workshop with hands-on practice for having tough conversations subtitled “Practicing Brave Conversations in a Polarized World.” At Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St., Berkeley. 7-8:30 p.m. Free.
Thursday | February 5
“Exodus as Resistance” — Read and discuss Exodus as a guidebook for resisting oppression in this workshop subtitled “Jewish Learning for Our Moment in History.” At Temple Beth Sholom, 642 Dolores Ave., San Leandro. 7:30-8:45 p.m. Free.
SOUTH BAY/PENINSULA
Wednesday | February 4
Social Spark: Wisdom Tree — Celebrate Tu Bishvat by reflecting and connecting with community. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 1-2 p.m. Free.
Friday | February 6
PJ Library Story Time — Tu Bishvat-themed storytime for kids, plus arts and crafts. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 5:15-5:15 p.m. Free.