Calendar December 13-19

SAT | DEC 13

“MIDDLE EAST COMIC RELIEF” 

Maybe the best way to achieve peace is to laugh our way there. Comedy troupe Sultans of Satire bring the funny to benefit the Levantine Cultural Center, the only Middle Eastern and North African cultural center in the Southland. Hosted by comedian Tehran and featuring Aron Kader, Sammy Obeid, Marie-Therese Abou-Daoud, Melissa Shoshahi and Sherwin Arae, the evening will be hilarious and politically incorrect — a classic combo. Sat. 8 p.m. $25-$45; $100 VIP packages available. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. (323) 413-2001. ” target=”_blank”>laemmle.com.

SUN | DEC 14

“LIGHT ONE CANDLE”

Forget about Paul and Mary for tonight — Peter Yarrow is in concert! One-third of the folk trio and responsible for such hits as “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “Day Is Done” and “The Great Mandala,” Yarrow has soothed and inspired decades of peace-minded people. Tonight, with Temple Aliyah Chazzan Mike Stein and special guest, legendary actor Theodore Bikel, you can embrace the Chanukah light with music you love. Sit back, relax and hum along. Sun. 6:30 p.m. $45 (general), $18 (student). VIP prices and passes for a meet-and-greet and dessert reception are available. Temple Aliyah, 6025 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 346-3545. ” target=”_blank”>wbtla.org. 

CHANUKAH FAMILY FESTIVAL (LUZ Y LIBERTAD)

The Skirball’s annual festival is back, with a Latin twist. Highlighting two major themes — light and freedom (apropos, no?) — there will be storytelling, art workshops and even brisket empanadas available at Zeidler’s Café. If you just want to sit back and have the entertainment come to you, there will be live performances throughout the day from Pasatono Orquesta, a nine-piece ensemble blending Mexican folk and Dixieland jazz; Mariachi Guadalajara, offering classic mariachi tunes and holiday favorites; and, later in the day, actress Anna Dresdon will perform a retelling of the Chanukah story. Local Jewish reggae-rock band Moshav will close out the day. That’s basically eight gifts right there. Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 (general), $7 (seniors, students), free (members, ages 12 and under). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. WED | DEC 17

Beit T’Shuvah and Jack Bender, known for his directorial work on TV shows such as “Lost,” “Alias” and “Under the Dome,” present a moving celebration of redemption through others. Bender’s book, “2 Broken People,” uses painting, sculptures and text to tell the true story of Harriet Rossetto and Rabbi Mark Borovitz, founders of Beit T’Shuvah. This exhibit features artwork from the book and will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the treatment center. Whether you’re soul-searching or not, this is expression that can resonate with everyone. Wed. 6:30 p.m. Free. RSVP to savedon@beittshuvah.org. (310) 240-8910. FRI | DEC 19

Temple Israel of Hollywood holds a Kabbalat service followed by a dinner and program with the Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles. With an impressive career that includes stints as chief of staff to Israel’s deputy minister of foreign affairs and also at the Embassy of Israeli in Washington, D.C., Siegel is really the “it” man when it comes to all things Israel and all things policy. Get your head in the game for a spiritual evening with a side of politics. Fri. 7 p.m. Free. RSVP required. Temple Israel of Hollywood, 7300 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 876-8330.