sunday/15
“Calling on God.” Rabbi Pamela Frydman discusses her book about Jewish prayer. Bagel brunch served. At Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond. 10:30 a.m. $5 suggested donation. www.tbhrichmond.org.
“Towers of Gold.” Author Frances Dinkelspiel discusses her book about California’s early Jewish communities. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 9:30 a.m. Free. www.oaklandsinai.org.
tuesday/17
“Overweight Sensation: The Life and Comedy of Allan Sherman.” Author Mark Cohen discusses his biography of the manic and creative Jewish song parodist. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 7 p.m. $8-$10. www.jcceastbay.org.
wednesday/18
Having it all after 60. Barbara Rose Brooker reads excerpts from her new novel “Should I Sleep in His Dead Wife’s Bed?” about love and life after 60. Brooker, a San Francisco native and contributor to J. and the Huffington Post, is working on a sequel to her novel “The Viagra Diaries.” 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F. $7-$20. www.commonwealthclub.org