7 Days in Arts

16
Saturday

With half the theaters in Los Angeles staging productions of “The Nutcracker” or “A Christmas Carol,” the University of Judaism provides a welcome change of pace with “Benjamin and Judah,” a Chanukah musical for the family. Set in the present day, the story follows Benjamin, a boy teased by school bullies for being Jewish. When a dream transforms him into Judah Maccabee, his struggle for religious freedom becomes a musical adventure. $18 (adults); $12 (children). 8 p.m. Also Dec. 17, noon and 4 p.m. Gindi Auditorium, 15600 Mulholland Dr., Bel Air. For tickets or more information, call (310) 476-9777 ext. 203.

17
Sunday

It’s a museum. It’s a concert. It’s… the fifth annual Chanukah Festival at the Skirball Cultural Center. In addition to holiday art workshops, the Skirball’s extensive collection of menorot and chanukiot and Chanukah-themed interactive computer activities, three intriguing concerts bring the holiday to life. Popular singer/songwriter Julie Silver performs her contemporary and classic Chanukah favorites, and storyteller Karen Golden entertains with her original stories and songs. And bringing a bit of funk to the festival, the 20-member Alan Eder and Friends perform a Reggae Chanukah concert, with West African drummers, reggae and cantorial singers celebrating the joy of Chanukah. $8 (general admission); $6 (students and seniors); free (members and children under 12). 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For tickets, call (323) 655-8587.

18
Monday

Music and poetry created by Jews and suppressed by the Nazis and Stalin-era Communists will be celebrated tonight by the multitalented Synergy performance ensemble. The “Suppression of the Muses” program, featuring works by Arnold Schoenberg, Heinrich Heine, Uri Zvi Greenberg and others, will be performed on piano, flute, violin, cello, clarinet and voice, with choreography by acclaimed Israeli mime Sam Livne. $12 (general admission); $10 (seniors); $7 (students). Greenway Court Theatre, 544 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. For reservations or more information, call (323) 658-5824.

19
Tuesday

The slice-of-life storytelling of public radio’s “This American Life” has gained a large, loyal following in the program’s five years on the air, influencing the way reporters in all media tell human interest stories. “This American Life” is the work of Ira Glass and his small cohort of creative radio journalists. Tonight, listen to Glass tell his stories in person, with guests Sarah Vowell and David Rakoff. $25. 8 p.m. Also Wed., Dec. 20, 8 p.m. Royce Hall, UCLA. For tickets, call (310) 825-2101.

20
Wednesday

Daily life in Jerusalem’s ultra-religious Mea Shearim neighborhood, with its high concentration of Chassidic Jews in traditional dress, is often misunderstood or simply unknown. Long Beach-based photographer Lewis Groner offers his new photography exhibit “Chassidim in Black and White” to help others discover the beauty he found in the close-knit community. The 50 images, shot over 10 years in the Chassidic neighborhood’s streets, are accompanied by background materials describing the circumstances of each photo. Artist’s reception Sun., Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibit on view daily through Jan. 7. Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (310) 474-1518.

21
Thursday

Happy Chanukah! Celebrate the first night of the Festival of Lights tonight in Beverly Hills, as The Beverly Hills Hotel continues its close relationship with Chabad in a menorah lighting ceremony. Actor Jon Voight will tell the story of Chanukah, and Holocaust survivor Jack Glicksman, a native of Katowitz, Poland, will light the historic Katowitz Menorah. 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills. For reservations or more information, call (310) 273-4657.

Even if you did not sign up to participate in the “Art of Yiddish” two-week immersion program, you’ll still want to catch the Yiddish songs and klezmer tunes of The Strauss Warschauer Duo.” The violin and guitar duo’s concert will be followed by a Yiddish candle lighting ceremony and sing along. $24 (general admission); $18 (students and seniors). 7:30 p.m. DoubleTree Guest Suites, 1707 Fourth St., Santa Monica. For more information, call (310) 396-5212.

22
Friday

Found objects, carefully chosen and arranged, can tell stories quite distinct from the objects’ original purpose. “Assembled Allegories,” the latest exhibit at the University of Judaism’s Platt and Boorstein Galleries, features the recent assemblage work of Southern California artists Eva Kolosvary-Stupler, Annemarie Rawlinson and Joan Vaupen. Exhibit hours: Sun.-Thur. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Through Feb. 11. Artists’ reception, Sun. Dec. 17, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. 15600 Mulholland Dr., Bel Air. For more information, call (310) 476-9777 ext. 203.