Calendar July 19-25

SAT | JUL 19

STORY PIRATES

If your family’s collective imagination is in need of some nourishment, the Skirball has a group of guests you won’t want to miss. This bunch of actors and teaching artists offer an interactive kid- (and parent-) friendly storytelling experience — singing and dancing included. With greatest hits and stories that are made up on the spot by you, the audience, the afternoon will be full of creative and theatrical fun. Endorsed by Jon Stewart and pirates everywhere, so you can expect the exceptional. Sat. Noon and 2 p.m. $10 (general), $7 (seniors, students, children over 12), $5 (2-12), Free (members and children under 2). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. ” target=”_blank”>levittla.org.

SUN | JUL 20

“SUMMER SHUL SING-ALONG”

Is the person you live with tired of hearing you sing in the shower or along with the radio? Leave him or her behind for an evening. Maybe you’ve been a John, Paul, George or Ringo your whole life and just needed some guitar accompaniment. Hazzan Mimi Haselkorn of Temple Aliyah provides song sheets, melodies from the ’60s and a judgment-free zone where everyone is a Beatle! The synagogue also will provide a dairy dinner but asks participants to bring their favorite dessert or a bottle of wine. Sounds like merry-making in the making. RSVP requested. Sun. 5:30 p.m. Free. Location shared upon RSVP. (818) 346-3545. MON | JUL 21

In 2009, when four men from Newburgh, N.J., were apprehended for an alleged terror plot against wealthy Jewish synagogues in New York City, the media started to speculate: Who was really behind the operation? Was there a Pakistani FBI informant? Was there entrapment? Kate Davis and David Heilbroner’s new documentary includes hidden camera footage, interviews with high-level Muslim and American leaders and insiders, and personal moments with family members of the Newburgh Four. Watch the film, have an opinion, have a question — likely several. Mon. 9 p.m. HBO. WED | JUL 23

All right, all you mystery lovers, Silva’s newest novel, “The Heist,” needs solving. Art restorer and collector Gabriel Allon is on the trail of a stolen masterpiece. But before you bury yourself in the latest adventure from this New York Times best-selling author, here’s a chance to ask him any questions that have been on your detective’s mind. Hosted by AMIT and moderated by Rabbi David Wolpe, the former NBC and CNN journalist-turned-mega-author will also be signing books. And if a good story gets you hungry, hang out for the dessert reception. No mystery here, just a good time for all. Wed. 7:30 p.m. $75 (includes  a copy of “The Heist”). Olympic Collection, 11301 Olympic Blvd., No. 204, Los Angeles. (310) 859-4885. THU | JUL 24

You know what they say: If you’ve heard one klezmer band, you should hear another! A versatile artist himself — he’s played the role of orchestra conductor for films, worked with Tori Amos and Jerry Lee Lewis, been a guest artist with the L.A. Philharmonic and L.A. Jewish Symphony — Bernard might be most at home with his Oy! Stars. Get your Yiddish, Israeli, Jewish music fix with funky upbeat tempos and soulful ballads. True entertainers, the band will leave you in lifted spirits. Thu. 8 p.m. Free. Levitt Pavilion Pasadena, 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena. (626) 683-3230. FRI | JUL 25

Zach Braff is back, as is his charming and subtle style of storytelling. Following the success of 2004’s “Garden State,” Braff’s new film is the journey of a 30-something father, husband and brother who — you know — is desperate to find the meaning and purpose of life. The star-studded cast includes Mandy Patinkin, Kate Hudson, Josh Gad and Jim Parsons, so those loyal to Braff’s last feature may find themselves falling in movie-love all over again. Fri. Various times. $11 (general), $8 (seniors, ages 11 and under, bargain matinee). NoHo 7, 5240 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. (310) 478-3836.