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 here, 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
Friday | April 24
Early Shabbat Together — Songs, puppets and snacks for families with children up to 3 years and their siblings. Presented by JCC of San Francisco and Jewish Baby Network. At JCC, 3200 California St., S.F. 2:30-4 p.m. Free.
Monday | April 27
Laugh Through The Heartbreak Presents: Zach Margs — Standup comedy tour featuring British Jewish comedian Zach Margs, produced by Erez Safar, also featuring Orthodox comedian Menachem Silverstein. Presented in partnership with Value Culture and Malka Productions. At JCC of San Francisco, 3200 California St. 7-9:30 p.m. $46-$72.
NORTH BAY
Wednesday | April 22
Yom HaAtzmaut Celebration — Celebrate Israel Independence Day with live music, dancing and food. Co-sponsored by the Osher Marin JCC and Congregation Rodef Sholom. At JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 4-5:30 p.m. Free.
Sunday | April 26
“Connecting Across Differences” — Palestinian and Israeli speakers discuss their hopes for peaceful coexistence, followed by facilitated discussion. Presented by Aqus Community Foundation, Petaluma Conversations, Friends of Roots and B’nai Israel Jewish Center. At Lucchesi Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free.
EAST BAY
Friday | May 1-2
“Kol: A Retreat for Jewish Music Across the Diaspora” — Weekend retreat to explore modern and ancestral Jewish music. All ages welcome, children 13 and under free (must be accompanied by an adult). Sponsored by the KlezCalifornia Yiddish Culture Fund, along with Let My People Sing, Sha’ar Zahav and Beit Kohenet. At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. Sliding scale.
Sunday | May 3
Jewish Arts and Bookfest — The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month with panel discussions, workshops, readings, teen programs and performances showcasing Jewish culture and art. Partners include J., New Lehrhaus, Jewish Community Library and JCC East Bay. At 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $5-$40.
PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY
Thursday | April 30
“War, Destiny and Responsibility” — Yossi Klein Halevi, Shalom Hartman Institute senior fellow, and Zack Bodner, OFJCC president and CEO, in conversation on the future of Jewish peoplehood. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7:30-9 p.m. $20-$25.
Friday | May 1
Israel’s 78th Independence Day Concert — Israeli composer Nurit Hirsh and singer Isaac Sutton celebrate Israel’s independence and share stories. Hosted by the Israeli Cultural Connection at the Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 8-10 p.m. $65-$75.