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
Tuesday | May 5
“Fragments: Yoni Avi Battat in Concert” — Battat performs original and traditional Mizrahi music on viola, violin, oud, reflecting his Iraqi Jewish heritage. Presented by JIMENA. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St. 6:30-8 p.m. Free.
Friday | May 8
“Song of Songs: Uncovering Holiness and Beauty Hidden in Plain Sight” — Weekend conference celebrating Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions includes a concert with singer Neta Elkayam and musician Yair Dalal, workshops with rabbis and scholars, and group singing. Through May 10. Presented by The Kitchen. At Alcazar Theater, 650 Geary St. Tickets for single events ($18-$72) or entire weekend ($98-$180).
NORTH BAY
Friday | May 8
Shabbat with VIDAS — Congregation Beth Ami’s Shabbat service will be followed by dinner and guest speaker Monica Julian from Vital Immigrant Defense Advocacy and Services (VIDAS) in Sonoma County, who will discuss its low-cost and free immigration legal services. A portion of proceeds go to VIDAS. BBQ chicken dinner provided. RSVP by noon May 4. Call 707-360-3000 or email [email protected]. At 4676 Mayette Ave, Santa Rosa. 6-7:45 p.m. $20 members, $22 nonmembers, under 12 free.
Wednesday | May 13
“‘Mother’s Milk,’ Care and Relationships” — Authors Deena Aranoff and Elissa Strauss discuss their new books and the theme of Mother’s Day and caregiving. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 6-7:30 p.m. Free.
EAST BAY
Sunday | May 3
Jewish Arts & Bookfest — The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month with panel discussions, workshops, readings, teen programs and performances. Partners include J., New Lehrhaus, Jewish Community Library and JCC East Bay. At Magnes, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $5-$40.
Monday | May 4
“Sacred Fire: A Musical Lag Ba-Omer Ceremony with Kedmah” — Teachings from Rebecca Schisler and Rabbi Zac Kamenetz, prayer, meditation, Mizrahi devotional music from Kedmah (Rabbi Yosef Goldman and Yoni Avi Battat) around a bonfire. Presented by Urban Adamah, Shefa, Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Netivot Shalom and Wilderness Torah. At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 7:30-9 p.m. $36.
PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY
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.
Monday | May 4
Erev Lag Ba’Omer Festival — Peninsula Sinai Congregation celebrates the holiday with a bonfire, s’mores, singing and drum circle, bubbles, bows and arrows, trivia and prizes. At 499 Boothbay Ave., Foster City. 7 p.m. Free. RSVP to [email protected].