The chosen pastime
The story of Sandy Koufax refusing to pitch on Yom Kippur is Jewish legend. Many baseball fans also know that a Jewish player, Ron Blomberg, was Major League Baseball’s first-ever designated hitter. But the relationship between Jews and the all-American pastime goes much deeper. The documentary “Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story,” which offers a more complete picture beginning in the 1880s, will be shown at a movie night hosted by Congregation Etz Chayim. Narrated by Dustin Hoffman, it includes footage of Koufax, Shawn Green, Al Rosen and more.
7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10 at Congregation Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. Fruit and drinks provided; any outside foods must be kosher for Passover. Free. www.etzchayim.org
friday/6
“Free Men.” Opening day. Film about an Algerian spy in 1940s France who falls in love with a Jew. In French with English subtitles. At Lumiere Theater, 1572 California St., S.F. and Shattuck Theater, 2230 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. Check theaters for times.
thursday/12
“Freilach.” Jewish music and cultural radio show for the Russian River area. KGGV 95.1 FM. 8 p.m. www.kggv.blogspot.com.
“Binah: Creative Voices from the JCCSF.” Poet and translator Peter Cole on his book “The Poetry of Kabbalah.” KALW 91.7 FM. Noon. www.jccsf.org.
saturday/14
“Got Balz.” Screening of documentary-in-progress on Mica Jarmel-Schneider of San Francisco, who collected and delivered baseball equipment to children in Cuba for his bar mitzvah project. With Cuban dance and food. At Sports Basement, 1590 Bryant St., S.F. www.facebook.com/gotbalz.
thursday/19
“Menachem and Fred.” Documentary on the reunion of two German Jewish brothers who separated after the Holocaust. At Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F. 6 p.m. Included with museum admission. www.thecjm.org.
“The Rescuers.” Bay Area premiere of documentary on 13 diplomats who defied the Nazis to save Jews during World War II. At Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. 7 p.m. Free. www.magnes.org.