A lyrical ‘Oracle’
During the Ottoman Empire’s steep decline, a very unlikely hero steps in to save Sultan Abdulhamid II’s legacy and change history: an 8-year-old Jewish girl. This is the premise of East Bay author Michael David Lukas’ historical novel “The Oracle of Stamboul,” described by reviewers as “evocative” and “beguiling.” Lukas, who teaches creative writing to third- and fourth-graders in Oakland, will be at the Addison-Penzak JCC to shmooze and discuss his novel.
7 p.m. Tuesday, April 17 at Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. Free. www.svjcc.org
monday/16
Schmooze. EastBayJews hosts an evening at a local watering hole. At Mua Bar and Restaurant, 2442a Webster St., Oakland. 6 p.m. $8-$10 cover. www.eastbayjews.org.
friday/20
“A Walk Amongst Trees.” Hike in San Francisco’s Presidio with Bay Area Hazon director Deborah Newbrun, author of “Spirit in Nature.” Presented by Contemporary Jewish Museum. Starting location available at registration. 9:30 a.m. $15. www.thecjm.org.