friday | 14
Ethiopian Shabbat dinner and information session. Traditional Ethiopian vegetarian dinner with a presentation from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee on upcoming travel to Ethiopia. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 6:30 p.m. $35-$40. RSVP to (415) 292-1233.
“Kafkaesque in S.F.” Terry Bisson, Rucky Rucker and Carter Scholz, contributors to a new anthology of fiction inspired by Franz Kafka, discuss the legend and his work. At Variety Preview Room, 582 Market St., S.F. 7 p.m. $5-$10 suggested donation. www.litquake.org.
“Irving Berlin’s Jewish Identity and His Music.” An evening of history and music, with cantorial soloist Kimberly Gelbwasser. At Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City. 7:30 p.m. Free. (650) 366-8481.
saturday | 15
“Where Are We Now? Where Are We Headed?” Bay Area Jewish Voice for Peace presents a lecture by Jeff Halper, director of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions. At Dominican University, San Rafael. 2 p.m. Free. (415) 302-8548.
sunday | 16
“Using the G-word.” Ellen Stromberg, creator of Jewish spirituality workshops, on how to talk to children about God. Part of the Exploring the World of Judaism lecture series. At Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. 9:30 a.m. Free. [email protected].
Jewish Coalition for Literacy volunteer training. At Jewish Federation of the East Bay, 300 Grand Ave., Oakland. 10 a.m. Free. (415) 977-7414 ext. 100.
monday | 17
Alice Hoffman. The author will read from her new novel “The Dovekeepers.” At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $10-$20. www.jccsf.org.
tuesday | 18
Women’s tea and Torah study. At Crown & Crumpet, Ghirardelli Square, S.F. 11 a.m. $5. (415) 624-7192.
Lion of Judah luncheon. Women’s philanthropy reception and luncheon with Sue Fishkoff, author and j. weekly editor. At Lake Merced Golf Club, 2300 Junipero Serra Blvd., Daly City. 11:30 a.m. $72. (650) 349-1523 ext. 8301.
Music class for children. A six-part series led by Melita Silberstein, through Nov. 22. At Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 4:30 p.m. $15. (510) 292-0175.
Robert Reich. Economist discusses his latest book, “Aftershock: The Next Economy and America’s Future.” At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $10-$25. www.sfjcc.org.
Wayne Hoffman. Jewish author reads from his new book, “Sweet Like Sugar,” about a gay man and elderly rabbi who become friends. At Books Inc., 2275 Market St., S.F. 7:30 p.m. www.waynehoffmanwriter.com.
Alice Hoffman. Jewish author talks about her new novel, “The Dovekeepers,” set in ancient Israel. Co-presented by the JCC East Bay. At Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St., Berkeley. 7:30 p.m. $36-$43. www.berkeleyarts.org.
wednesday | 19
Wayne Hoffman. Jewish author of “Sweet Like Sugar” will read at open-mike night. At Magnet, 4122 18th St., S.F. 8 p.m. www.waynehoffmanwriter.com.
thursday | 20
Jenerosity Foundation lecture. Jim Lehrer, anchor of “PBS NewsHour,” examines presidential debates from Kennedy-Nixon to Obama-McCain. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $10-$35. www.jccsf.org.
saturday | 22
San Francisco authors’ luncheon. A three-course lunch with local wines, author presentations and book signings benefits the National Kidney Foundation of Northern California. Jewish author Erik Larson will discuss “In the Garden of Beasts.” At Marriott Marquis, 55 Fourth St., S.F. 10 a.m. $125. (415) 543-3303.
sunday | 23
Bay Area Community Talmud Circle. Monthly Torah study series taught by Rabbi Lavey Derby at the Addison-Penzak JCC. Through May 20. At JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 9:30 a.m. $135 for series. www.lehrhaus.org.
“Asian and Jewish.” A panel of local Asian Jews discuss their experiences of Jewish community. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 9:30 a.m. Free. (510) 845-6420 ext. 10.
Hebrew storytelling. Part of monthly series, through Feb. 12, 2012. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 11 a.m. Free. (415) 751-6983.
Camp Tawonga information session. Student-led presentations about last year’s programs and Q&A with campers and staff about offerings in 2012. At Jewish Community High School of the Bay, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 1 p.m. Free. (415) 543-2267 ext. 102.