So much happens in our community every day that it can be hard to sift through all of the events. We’re highlighting a few upcoming events, in every corner of the Jewish Bay Area, to get you started. You can find many more in J.’s online calendar. If you have a community event you’d like to share, go to J.’s “submit a calendar event” page.
SAN FRANCISCO
Tuesday | February 24
“Beyond the Binary” — Rabbi Jill Jacobs, CEO of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, and Rabbi Jessica Graf of Congregation Sherith Israel in conversation subtitled “How American Jews Should Engage with Israel Today.” Co-sponsored by New Israel Fund and T’ruah. At Sherith Israel, 2266 California St. 7-8:30 p.m. Free, registration required.
Thursday | February 26
“I Left a Cult and Now I Want Back In” — Comedian Raye Schiller’s standup show about their queer identity and Orthodoxy, plus a Q&A. At Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St. 7 p.m. $36, includes a drink.
NORTH BAY
Sunday | February 22
“Purim Palooza” — Osher Marin JCC’s annual Purim celebration features a bounce house, carnival games, hamantaschen, storytelling and more. Come in costume. Hosted by OMJCC in partnership with Brandeis Marin and Congregation Rodef Sholom. At 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free, registration required.
Saturday | February 28
A Night at the Cabaret — Fundraiser featuring live music by Max Bonick Trio, Radio Bobcat, Shane Soldinger and Gordon Lustig, plus wine and food. At Congregation Beth Shalom, 1455 Elm St., Napa. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $125 CBS members, $136 nonmembers. Child care available.
EAST BAY
Wednesday | February 25
“Philip Roth: Stung by Life” — Historian and author Steven J. Zipperstein discusses his biography of the influential author with professor Scott Saul in this year’s Diller Lecture. Reception and light refreshments before conversation. Presented by Berkeley’s Center for Jewish Studies. Co-sponsored by the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life. At Magnes, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. 5-6:30 p.m. Free.
PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY
Thursday | February 19
“For Such a Time as This” — Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, senior rabbi of Manhattan’s Park Avenue Synagogue, in conversation with Barry Finestone, CEO of Jim Joseph Foundation. Presented by Z3 Project. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7:30-9 p.m. $25.
Thursday | February 26
“Unapologetic: A Conversation with Lucy Aharish” — Israel’s first Arab news anchor discusses identity and resilience, with Zack Bodner, CEO of Oshman Family JCC. Presented by Z3 Project and Israeli Cultural Connection. At OFJCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7:30-9 p.m. $40.