sunday/17
Global Day of Jewish Learning. Fourth annual workshop, featuring panels, lectures and classes taught by rabbis and scholars. Includes kosher lunch. Thirteen sponsoring organizations. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. www.jcceastbay.org.
“Israel and Iran: A Common Heritage.” University of Minnesota professor William O. Beeman discusses the historical and cultural ties the two civilizations have shared for centuries and what’s needed for reconciliation. At Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. www.shaarzahav.org.
“Talking to Atoms in the Middle of the Negev Desert.” Ben-Gurion University professor Ron Folman discusses research being done in the field of quantum mechanics. At Temple Israel of Alameda, 3183 Mecartney Road, Alameda. 10 a.m. Free. (408) 605-4977.
monday/18
Cook with Levana Kirschenbaum. The kosher chef and pioneer who owned Levana Restaurant in Manhattan teaches how to make a gourmet meal. At Congregation Chevra Thilim, 751-25th Ave., S.F. 6:30 p.m. $36. RSVP required. www.sfshul.org. (See story, 8)
tuesday/19-23
Speaking out. Yehuda Shaul, who was an Israel Defense Forces commander in the Palestinian territories, will make five Bay Area appearances on behalf of Breaking the Silence, a group that favors Palestinian self-governance and advocates for open dialogue. Shaul will share his experiences and discuss “Our Harsh Logic,” a book of testimonies by Israelis who served from 2000 to 2010. Nov. 19-23 in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and Palo Alto. www.friendsofbts.org/book/tour
wednesday/20
“Ethics and Religious Leaders.” Rabbi Mychal Copeland of Hillel at Stanford is joined by the Rev. Scotty McLennan, Stanford’s dean for religious life, and the Rev. Nathan Castle to discuss the ethical and moral obligations of being religious leaders. Lunch served. At Hillel at Stanford, 565 Mayfield Ave., Stanford. 12 p.m. Free. RSVP required. http://hillel.stanford.edu.
thursday/21
“Chanukah: Real Dedication.” Israeli educator and psychologist Nily Shiryon discusses the dedication people have for the holiday and how the story affects modern life. Part of Under One Tent: Contra Costa Jewish Book and Arts Festival. At Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living, 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville. 10 a.m. Free. www.jfed.org/underonetent.
“Global India: Kerala, Israel, Berkeley.” A multidisciplinary panel discussion with professors from U.C. Berkeley and Stanford on art and historical items found in India. At the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. 7 p.m. Free. www.magnes.org.
friday/22
“Judaism and Psychotherapy.” Israeli educator and psychologist Nily Shiryon discusses the overlap among psychotherapy, religious freedom and Jewish history. At Congregation Beth Ami, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. 7:30 p.m. Free. (707) 360-3000.