tuesday/27
Jonathan Safran Foer. Author discusses his latest novel, “Here I Am,” about family and Jewish identity. At City Arts & Lectures, Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes St., S.F. 7:30 p.m. $29. www.cityarts.net. Also Sept. 28 with author Molly Antopol at JCCSF, 3200 California St. 12 p.m. $28-$38. www.jccsf.org. Also Sept. 28 at Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 7 p.m. $30, includes signed book. www.bookpassage.com (See story, 27)
Michael Krasny. KQED Radio host discusses “Let There Be Laughter,” his new book about Jewish humor. At Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 7 p.m. $22; includes signed book. www.bookpassage.com. Also Oct. 5 in conversation with actor Peter Coyote. Book signing follows. At Commonwealth Club, 555 Post St., S.F. 6:30 p.m. $7-$25, $35-$35 premium tickets. www.commonwealthclub.org. Also Oct. 9 at Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 5:30 p.m. $15-$25. www.paloaltojcc.org/events/let-there-be-laughter (See story, 26)
thursday/29
Susan Faludi. Author discusses her new book, “In the Darkroom,” about coming to terms with her father’s change in gender identity. In conversation with Peggy Orenstein. At Books Inc., 1491 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 7 p.m. Free. www.booksinc.com (See story, 27)
“An Evening with Dennis Ross.” Former ambassador will discuss his recent book “Doomed to Succeed,” about the history of the Israel-U.S. relationship. Sponsored by Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. At Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga. 7 p.m. $54; $136 for reserved seat and book. www.jvalley.org
tuesday/4
“Chasing Portraits.” Elizabeth Rynecki discusses her book about her efforts to track down the lost paintings made by her great-grandfather Moshe Rynecki, who perished in the Holocaust. At Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera. 7 p.m. Free. www.chasingportraits.org
“Do We Humans Really Have Free Will?” Philosophical panel discussion led by Rabbi Moshe Levin as an alternative to second-day Rosh Hashanah services. At Congregation Ner Tamid, 1250 Quintara St., S.F. 10 a.m. Free. wwww.nertamidsf.org
wednesday/5
“The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions.” Book talk by modern Mussar practitioner Greg Marcus. At Books Inc., 2712 Augustine Drive, Santa Clara. 7 p.m. Free. www.booksinc.net