saturday/13
Lunch with Rabbi Lavey. Bring a paper bag dairy lunch and direct questions about Judaism to Rabbi Lavey Derby, director of Jewish life at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center. At JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 12 p.m. Free. RSVP suggested. www.urlm.in/rsos.
sunday/14
“Howl Legacy: The Continuing Battle for Free Expression.” Panel discussion on contemporary censorship in art and media. At Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F. 3 p.m. Included with admission. www.ginsbergfestival.com.
“The role of the Jewish newspaper today.” J. editor Sue Fishkoff speaks about the changing role of the Jewish media. Hillside Clubhouse,1300 Golden Rain Road, in Rossmoor, Walnut Creek. 4pm. Free. (925) 938-4738.
“The Man I Am.” Screening of Israeli documentary about five trans men who were born female, followed by a talk with Elisha (Shuki) Alexander and Avi Soffer of the Israeli transgender community. Presented by A Wider Bridge at Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. www.awiderbridge.org.
Volunteers for Israel. Participants share their experiences volunteering with the Israel Defense Forces. At Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 10:30 a.m. $5 suggested donation. (925) 937-9446.
wednesday/17
“Shanghai: My Miraculous Life.” Leah Garrick recounts growing up in Shanghai as Jews sought asylum during World War II. At Peninsula Del Rey Senior Living Community, 165 Pierce St., Daly City. 1 p.m. Free. RSVP recommended. www.tinyurl.com/peninsula-del-rey.
sunday/21
“Jewish Beginnings in Christian Europe.” Video lecture on the early history of Ashkenazi Jews, followed by a discussion. At Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. 4 p.m. Free. www.kolhadash.org.
“There’s More to We, Than You and Me.” Talk by Rabbi Yochanan Friedman about enhancing marriage though spirituality. Presented by the Mikvah Society of San Jose. At South Peninsula Hebrew Day School, 1030 Astoria Drive, Sunnyvale. 7:30 p.m. Free, $10 suggested donation. (408) 445-1770.
thursday/25
“Moving Toward Justice: Fear and Courage in the Balance.” Talk by Rabbi Susan Leider of Congregation Kol Shofar. Part of American Jewish World Service’s “Bites of Jewish Justice” lunchtime learning program. At AJWS, 131 Steuart St., Suite 200, S.F. 12:30 p.m. Free, bring your own lunch. RSVP to [email protected].