thursday/8
“Storytelling: What Could Be More Jewish?” Workshop for adults with storyteller Ellen Kaufman. Sponsored by Ruach Hadassah. At Temple Beth Abraham, 341 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 7:30 p.m. Free, but RSVP requested. www.tinyurl.com/ellen-stories
sunday/11
‘A new take on gender and Jewish identity’. This program at the Marin JCC will examine how the Amazon series “Transparent” has influenced the portrayal of Jewish and LGBTQ characters in popular culture. Writer-producer Micah Mitzerman-Blue will present a behind-the-scenes look at the writing of the show, and local Jewish transgender activist Jhos Singer will talk about gender fluidity. A panel discussion and Q&A will follow.5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 at Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. $15-$20. www.marinjcc.org
“An Ecumenical Exploration of Forgiveness.” Interfaith discussion of Jewish, Christian, Muslim/Sufi and native Hawaiian perspectives on forgiveness. At Chochmat HaLev, 2215 Prince St., Berkeley. 7 p.m. Free. www.chochmat.org
“Garland to Streisand.” Movie reviewer and film historian Jan Wahl discusses the history of Jews in Hollywood. Sponsored by the Women of Rodef Sholom. At Congregation Rodef Sholom, 170 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 3 p.m. $10-$18. www.wrs-sisterhood.org
wednesday/14
“Israel: The Conversation Continues.” Morning of workshops and lectures on Israel education with keynote speakers Seth Brysk of the ADL and Israel Deputy Consul General Ravit Baer. Sponsored by Rossmoor and Diablo Valley Hadassah. At Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. $10. Registration required. www.tinyurl.com/israelconvo-2016
Civic Connection S.F. 2016. Elected officials and local Jewish leaders discuss current issues, such as racial equality, gun control and the upcoming election, and take questions from the community. Hosted by JCRC. At Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F. 6 p.m. Free, but registration required. www.tinyurl.com/SFcivcon-2016
“Rabbis’ Roundtable: Does Prayer Work?” Local rabbis teach texts and share views on the power of prayer. At Wornick Jewish Day School, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 7 p.m. Free, but registration required. www.pjcc.org
thursday/15
“Sweet as Honey.” Pre-Rosh Hashanah cooking class teaching recipes featuring honey, such as Spanish eggplant fritters and apple-and-honey baklava. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $55-$60. www.jccsf.org