friday/7
“Viral Hate.” Christopher Wolf will discuss his book, co-authored with ADL director Abraham Foxman, about the spread of hate on the Internet. At Books Inc., 1760 Fourth St., Berkeley. 7 p.m. Free. www.booksinc.net.
sunday/9
“Climbing the Sacred Ladder: Your Path to Love, Joy, Peace and Purpose.” Book launch with author Shulamit Sofia. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 1 p.m. Free. www.jewishlearningworks.org/library.
Writing and spiritual practice. Nan Gefen, Jewish meditation teacher, reads from her new novel “Clear Lake” and leads conversation about writing and spirituality. At Chochmat HaLev, 2215 Prince St., Berkeley. 7 p.m. Free. www.chochmat.org.
tuesday/11
Marty Brounstein. Author presents “Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust.” At Congregation B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek. 7 p.m. Free. (925) 933-5397.
thursday/13
“Overweight Sensation: The Life and Comedy of Allan Sherman.” Author Mark Cohen talks about the song parodist most famous for “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh.” At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. www.jewishlearningworks.org/library.
“The Rescuer’s Path.” Paula Friedman reads from her novel about a love affair between a survivor’s sheltered daughter and a half-Syrian fugitive. Aquarian Minyan author series. At St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave., Berkeley. 7 p.m. $10 to $20 donation requested. [email protected].