friday/10
“The Magic Power of Grandparents.” Dawn Kepler, director of Building Jewish Bridges, leads a discussion about the influence grandparents have in fostering their grandchildren’s Jewish identities. Sponsored by Lehrhaus Judaica and Building Jewish Bridges. At Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, Lafayette. 8 p.m. Free. (510) 845-6420
sunday/12
“Help with Your Family Tree: Brainstorming with the Mavens.” Bring genealogy questions for one-on-one guidance with experienced genealogists. At Jewish Community Library, 1825 Ellis St., S.F. 12 p.m. Free, but registration encouraged. www.jewishcommunitylibrary.org
“Jews, Food and Family in 20th-Century San Francisco.” Author Erica J. Peters leads a multimedia presentation on iconic foods and neighborhoods of Jewish San Francisco, followed by a signing of her book “San Francisco: A Food Biography.” Presented by Jewish Historical Society of Napa Valley. At Valley Club Circle Clubhouse, off Big Ranch Road, Napa. 4 p.m. (707) 259-5332
“Shmita as the Heart of Torah.” Rabbi Kennard Lipman, an author and a lecturer at San Jose State, discusses life lessons found in Parashat Shemini, or the “heart” of the Torah. Part of the Exploring the World of Judaism speaker series. Refreshments included. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 9:15 a.m. Free. www.oaklandsinai.org/EWJSpeakerSeries
“Do You Have One Jewish Parent?” Dawn Kepler, director of Building Jewish Bridges, invites those who grew up with one Jewish parent to share their experiences. Sponsored by Lehrhaus Judaica and Building Jewish Bridges. At Espresso Roma, 1549 Hopkins St., Berkeley. 11 a.m. Free. (510) 845-6420
tuesday/14
“Patterns of Persecution: Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and Anti-Catholic Movements in America.” Wesleyan University religion professor Peter Gottschalk traces the arc of American religious discrimination and shows the connection between Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 7 p.m. Free. www.marinjcc.org/patterns
friday/17
“Middle East Hotspots: Geopolitics and Stability.” Middle East scholar and translator Banafsheh Keynoush presents an overview of trouble in the Middle East; situations in specific countries such as Qatar, Turkey and Iran; and regional U.S. interests. At Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F. 11:30 a.m. $20, free for members. www.commonwealthclub.org
sunday/19
“A New Understanding of the Middle East.” Israeli analyst Avi Melamed will lead seminars on recent changes in the Arab world and their impact on Israeli security. At Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $20-$45. www.jcrc.org. Also Oct. 20 at Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro, San Rafael. 7 p.m. Free, but registration required. www.marinjcc.org
November ballot measures. League of Women Voters members Helene Lecar and Jean Safir discuss state and local propositions and initiatives at the Kol Hadash bagel brunch. At Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. 11 a.m. $10 donation requested. www.kolhadash.org
monday/20
Steven Levitan. The Jewish executive producer and co-creator of the TV show “Modern Family” talks about his life and work in television. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $25-$35. www.jccsf.org
tuesday/21
“The Future of the Peace Process.” Moderated discussion with former State Department legal adviser Abraham Sofaer and former Washington Post Jerusalem bureau chief Janine Zacharia. Reception before event. At Bancroft Hotel, 2680 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 5 p.m. Free, but RSVP requested. www.law.berkeley.edu
thursday/23
“Graphic Lives: Identity, History and Comics Form in Art Spiegelman’s ‘Maus’.” U.C. Berkeley professor Hertha D. Sweet Wong talks about Spiegelman’s use of the comic form to chronicle his father’s experience at Auschwitz. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 7:30 p.m. Free. (510) 845-6420.