sunday/23
“Writing Our Book of Life.” Writing workshop led by Rabbi Dorothy Richman. No experience necessary. Focus is on entering a new year. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 2 p.m. $8. www.jcceastbay. org/days-of-awe
“Talking Israel: With Our Friends, Our Kids, Ourselves.” David Waksberg, CEO of Jewish LearningWorks, presents strategies for more effective, less difficult conversations. At Congregation Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. 10 a.m. Free. www.etzchayim.org
thursday/27
“American Judaism 2016: From Theory to Practice and Back.” Lecture by Jewish Theological Seminary Chancellor Arnold N. Eisen. Sponsored by Berkeley Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies. At Bancroft Hotel, 2680 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 5:15 p.m. reception, 6 p.m. lecture. Free, but RSVP requested. www.tinyurl.com/eisen-lecture-2016
sunday/30
Venice Jewish Poet Sarra Copia Sulam. Writer-educator Kathleen Ann Gonzalez discusses the life of Sulam in 17th-century Venice. Co-sponsored by Museo Italo Americano. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 1:30 p.m. Free. www.jewishcommunitylibrary.org
“Making Shabbat Your Own.” How to introduce or customize Shabbat rituals in your family. Second of five workshops on interfaith families led by Dawn Kepler. Sponsored by Lehrhaus Judaica and Building Jewish Bridges. At Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. 10:30 a.m. $8. (510) 845-6420
“Jewnetics: Breast Cancer, BRCA and Beyond.” Presentation on Jewish genetics and associated elevated health risks with genetics counselor, oncology specialist and cancer patient. At Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. 9:30 a.m. Free, but registration required. www.tinyurl.com/emanuel-brca
tuesday/1
Karaite Judaism. Talk by Shawn Lichaa, author and founder of the Karaite Press, on foundations of Karaite Judaism. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 1 p.m. $15. www.paloaltojcc.org
Bay Area Community Memorial for Shimon Peres. Honoring in words and music the life of Israel’s former prime minister and president. Co-sponsored by five local Jewish organizations. At Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. 6:30 p.m. Free, but registration required. ww.tinyurl.com/jcrc-peres