“Amulets.” Traditional embroidered tapestries by Ethiopian-Israeli women. Through Dec. 28. “An Exploration of Language and Shapes in Sculpture.” Joyce Steinfeld sculptures inspired by Hebrew letters and Chinese characters. Through Jan. 27, 2012. “The Israelis.” Photographic portraits by Mark Tuschman. Through Feb. 2, 2012. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. www.paloaltojcc.org.
“Black Sabbath.” Studio exhibit on black-Jewish ties in recorded music. Through Feb. 28, 2012. “California Dreaming.” Multimedia exhibit exploring Jewish life in the Bay Area from Gold Rush to present. Through Oct. 16, 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.
“A Dancer’s Scrapbook, 1928-1933.” Pictures of Rose Yasgour, a pioneer of modern dance. 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.
“Harissa, Honey and Hyssop: The Food of North Africa.” Photography exhibit by Israeli Nelli Sheffer. Through Jan. 30, 2012. 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.
“Memories.” Digital photo-collage portraits by Israeli Gideon Spiegel. Through Feb. 29, 2012. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. www.marinjcc.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 Jan. 8, 2012. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. (510) 451-3263.
“Spectacles of Devotion.” Barry Shapiro’s photo-collage images of religious devotion. Through Feb. 29, 2012. Art for sale, with a percentage to benefit JCC. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. www.svjcc.org.
“Yehudith and the Grandfathers.” Fifteen-part video installation by mother-daughter artists Carolyn Radlo and Alanna Simone, about Jewish women and the Holocaust. Through Jan. 29, 2012. At California Institute of Integral Studies, 1453 Mission St., S.F. www.ciis.edu.
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“Liz Mamorsky: A 50-Year Retrospective.” Closing party. At Driftwood Salon Gallery, 39 Isis St., S.F. 6 p.m. Free. www.driftwoodsalon.com.