tuesday/2
“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 in the Holocaust. At San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin St. 6 p.m. Free. (510) 845-6420
“Messages from the Dead Sea Scrolls: A Judeo-Christian Perspective.” Lehrhaus Judaica executive director Jehon Grist discusses what the Dead Sea Scrolls say about early Judaism and Christianity. At Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 6:45 p.m. $10-$15. [email protected] or (925) 934-9446
saturday/6
International Human Rights Day. Evening of multifaith discussion exploring how faith-based communities can make a difference in global issues, with remarks by American Jewish World Service president Ruth Messinger. Concludes with Havdallah service led by Peninsula Temple Beth El Rabbi Callie Shulman. At Congregational Church of San Mateo, 225 Tilton Ave., San Mateo. 7 p.m. Free, but RSVP requested at [email protected] or (415) 593-3280.
sunday/7
Love and magic in Babylonia
Maggie Anton, author of the acclaimed historical fiction series “Rashi’s Daughters,” will give talks in the Bay Area to celebrate the release of “Enchantress: A Novel of Rav Hisda’s Daughter,” her latest book and the second volume in her new series about the adventures of the daughter of Babylonian talmudic scholar.
Dec. 7 at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco at 9:30 a.m. and Addison-Penzak JCC in Los Gatos at 1 p.m.; Dec. 8 at Congregation Etz Chayim in Palo Alto at 6:30 p.m.;
Dec. 9 at Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto at 2:30 p.m. and JCC East Bay in Berkeley at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 10 at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette at 7 p.m.; and Dec. 11 at Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City at 7:30 p.m. Free. www.maggieanton.com
“How Can We Deal Graciously with Our Children’s Grandparents?” Dawn Kepler conducts workshop on how to broach non-Jewish grandparents’ concerns about raising your children Jewish. Sponsored by Lehrhaus Judaica. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 9:30 a.m. Free. (510)-845-6420
“Understanding the Psalms.” U.C. Berkeley professor Robert Alter discusses Book of Psalms and leads a study of selected texts. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 2 p.m. Free. www.jewishlearningworks.org/library/adult-events
“Help with Your Family Tree: Brainstorming with the Mavens.” Bring genealogy questions for one-on-one guidance with experts. At Jewish Community Library, 1825 Ellis St., S.F. 12 p.m. Free, but registration encouraged. www.jewishlearningworks.org/library/adult-events
“Origins: Roots of Jewish and Christian Thought.” Rabbi Mychal Copeland, director of Interfaith Family Bay Area, and Kristi Copeland, a scholar of early Christianity, explore the roots of the two religions, as well as their impact on present-day issues. At Or Shalom Jewish Community, 625 Brotherhood Way, S.F. 4 p.m. Free. www.orshalom.org
Menorah workshop. Children will make their own menorahs with the help of building professionals and receive Hanukkah treats and a work apron to take home. At Home Depot Windsor, 6280 Hembree Lane, Windsor. 1 p.m. Free. Sponsored by Sonoma County Chabad Jewish Center. RSVP requested to [email protected]
monday/8
“Not Your Grandma’s Latkes.” Learn how to make brisket, applesauce, latkes and other festive Hanukkah foods, with Community Table executive chef Michele Pfeifer. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 6:30 p.m. $85-$95. (415) 292-1200 or www.jccsf.org
Middle East discussion group. Member-led, informal roundtable discussion about current events in the Middle East. At Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F. 5:30 p.m. Free, but registration required. www.commonwealthclub.org
thursday/11
“I’m Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen.” Presentation by journalist Sylvie Simmons based on her biography of the Jewish singer and songwriter. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. www.jewishlearningworks.org/library/adult-events
“Talking About Israel: Jews and Christians.” Yehuda Kurtzer of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America and the Rev. Judy Yates Siker of the San Francisco Seminary discuss Jewish and Christian perspectives on Israel and the meaning of Zionism. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $15. www.jccsf.org