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
Saturday | July 18
Freedom of Expression Award — Rachel Bloom, who co-created and starred in “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” will receive this year’s award from the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival in conjunction with the screening of “Hollywood Does Abortion,” a documentary of how abortion has been treated in films and TV shows. At Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St. 6 p.m. $30 general.
Monday | July 20
Nosh, Nori and Soul — Community happy hour and presentation by Howard Freedman, director of the Jewish Community Library, about Jewish, Black and Japanese communities’ history in S.F. Plus small bites from local businesses. At Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., S.F. 5:30 p.m. Free.
NORTH BAY
Sunday | July 26
Tiburon Jewish Festival — Chabad of Tiburon presents a day of art and cooking workshops, a photo booth, live music featuring Saul Goodman’s Klezmer Band and The Ferris Wheels, and the Marin County Kosher Kart food truck. At Zelinksy Park, Tiburon. 1-4 p.m. Free.
Sunday | August 2
Nancy Katz Community Celebration — The Osher Marin JCC presents a summer art exhibit “Permission Granted” and birthday celebration for the artist. Wine and nosh provided. At JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 2-5 p.m. Free.
EAST BAY
Friday | July 24
Prayers and Petals — Pick your own flower bouquet at a pre-Kabbalat Shabbat ritual. For adults in their 20s and 30s. At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 5:3-6:30 p.m. Free.
Sunday | August 2
Children’s Musical Havdalah — Mimi Greisman leads this celebration for kids through age 5 with music, parachute fun, dancing and puppets. Presented by Gan Mah Tov Preschool. At 3726 Emerson St., Oakland. 11 a.m. Free.
PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY
Sunday | July 26
Building Peace Together — Day of service hosted by Congregation Beth David with civic leaders, Christian and Muslim fath communities. Jazz reception follows. At Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga. 2-6 pm. Free, RSVP required.
Friday | July 31
Shabbat Picnic Dinner — Jewish Baby Network and the Oshman Family JCC invite families with young children to an outdoor tot shabbat with music, puppets and dancing. Challah, grape juice and light snacks provided. At OFJCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 5:30-7 p.m. $0-$36.