“California Dreaming.” Multimedia exhibit exploring Jewish life in the Bay Area from Gold Rush to present. Through Oct. 16, 2012. “Black Sabbath.” Studio exhibit on black-Jewish ties in recorded music. Through Feb. 28, 2012. “Houdini: Art and Magic.” Multimedia exhibit examining Houdini’s life, legend and influence. Through Jan. 16, 2012. “Stanley Saitowitz: Judaica.” New perspectives from the S.F.-based architect. Through Oct. 16, 2012. At Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F. www.thecjm.org.
“Celebrating Jewish Life in Marin.” Photography exhibit by Norm Levin featuring celebrations. Through Nov. 23. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N.
San Pedro Road, San Rafael. www.marinjcc.org.
“A Dancer’s Scrapbook, 1928-1933.” Pictures of Rose Yasgour, a pioneer of modern dance, in her early career. Through Feb. 23, 2012. “A Fine Romance.” Exhibit about Jewish American songwriters of the 20th century. Through Dec. 22. At BJE Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. (415) 567-3327.
“An Exploration of Language and Shapes in Sculpture.” Joyce Steinfeld sculptures inspired by Hebrew letters and Chinese characters. Through Jan. 27, 2012. “Amulets.” Traditional embroidered tapestries by Ethiopian-Israeli women. Through Dec. 28. “A Dying World.” Aerial photographs of the Dead Sea by Israeli Ofir Ben Tov. Through Dec. 16. “The Israelis.” Photographic portraits by Mark Tuschman. Through Feb. 2, 2012. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. www.paloaltojcc.org.
“Harissa, Honey and Hyssop: The Food of North Africa.” Photography exhibit by Israeli Nelli Sheffer. Through Jan. 30. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. www.jccsf.org.
“How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less.” Watercolor prints from Sarah Glidden’s graphic novel. Through Dec. 28. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. www.pjcc.org.
“Rita Sargen Simon Retrospective, 1924-2005.” Works in steel, bronze, ceramic and Plexiglas. Through Jan. 8, 2012. At Jewish Heritage Museum at Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living, 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville. www.rcjl.org.
“Scattered Among the Nations.” Photographic exhibit of seven Jewish communities. Through December. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. (510) 845-6420.
“Six Dots.” Multimedia exhibit with works inspired by the Star of David from 26 Israeli artists. Through Dec. 15. At Hillel at Stanford, 565 Mayfield Ave., Stanford. http://hillel.stanford.edu.