saturday | 22
San Francisco authors’ luncheon. National Kidney Foundation of Northern California presents lunch with local wines, author presentations and book signings. Jewish author Erik Larson discusses “In the Garden of Beasts.” At Marriott Marquis, 55 Fourth St., S.F. 10 a.m. $125. (415) 543-3303.
“Wisdom and Witdom.” Jews’ Next Dor and Congregation Beth David present lunch, service and lecture by Doug Brook about little-known holidays from the past. At Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga. 1:15 p.m. Free. [email protected].
Israeli folk dancing. Instructor Allen King teaches and DJs. At Café Shalom, St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 1399 43rd Ave., S.F. 7:30 p.m. $5-$8. [email protected].
sunday | 23
“Asian and Jewish.” Part of series “What Color Are Jews? Exploring Diversity of Our Community Locally and Globally.” 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.
monday | 24
“Nazi War Criminals: Justice at Last?” Panel discussion with rabbis and scholars, including filmmaker Germano Maccioni and Rabbi Menachem Creditor of Congregation Netivot Shalom in Berkeley. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $10-$20. (415) 292-1200.
tuesday | 25
Relationship advice. S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation presents author Andrea Syrtash speaking on her book “Cheat on Your Husband (with Your Husband): How to Date Your Spouse.” At the Ferry Building, S.F. 7 p.m. $10. www.jcf-syrtash.eventbrite.com.
wednesday | 26
Learn to chant Torah. Torah cantillation and symbolism class. At Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. 10:30 a.m. $22 for materials. RSVP to [email protected].
“1,000 Mitzvahs.” Author Linda Cohen presents her book about acts of kindness. At Palo Alto JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7:30 p.m. $10-$18. Women only. (650) 223-8602. Also Oct. 27 at Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 6:30 p.m. Free. (510) 655-1977. Also Oct. 28 at JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 12:30 p.m. $5-$10 suggested donation. (510) 848-0237.
“Jerusalem: The Biography.” British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore discusses his book about Jerusalem’s history. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $10-$20. (415) 292-1200.
“Explore Hebrew and Kabbalah.” Six-session series including expressive arts lab led by Julia Gilden and Hannah Matt. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 7 p.m. Sliding-scale fee. (415) 726-6794.
thursday | 27
“Hidden History: The Jewish Roots of a Thai Tribe.” Ken Blady lectures as part of the East Bay Jewish Forum. At Temple Beth Abraham, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 9:45 a.m. $10. (510) 839-2900.
“Transforming Terror.” Editors discuss anthology of sermons, prayers and essays from diverse authors including Amos Oz, Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Ariel Dorfman and Hannah Arendt. At Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F. 6 p.m. $7-$20. www.commonwealthclub.org.
“To Be an American.” Cantor Kimberly Gelbwasser examines experiences of assimilation, “blackness” and “Jewishness” in Irving Berlin’s music. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 7 p.m. $5-$7. (408) 357-7492.
“Bob Dylan’s God Problem.” Ron Rosenbaum, journalist and author, talks about his upcoming book exploring the Jewish dimensions of Bob Dylan’s music. At Levinthal Hall, 424 Santa Teresa St., Stanford. 7:30 p.m. Free. (650) 725-0577.
In conversation with Adam Mansbach. The Berkeley-based author of “Go the F**k to Sleep” talks about parenting. Child care available. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 6 p.m. $6-$8. (510) 848-0237.
sunday | 30
“The Arab-Israeli Conflict 101.” Eran Kaplan, chair of Israeli studies at S.F. State University, discusses Mideast politics. 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].
“Staying High after the Holidays.” Jewish Studies Network women’s division presents a workshop about retaining the High Holy Days spirit all year. At private residence in Palo Alto. 10 a.m. $30-$36. (650) 493-5764.
“Mezuzah from Start to Finish.” A sofer (scribe) demonstrates how a mezuzah is written and leads a do-it-yourself workshop. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 11 a.m. $72. (415) 292-1200.