Calendar: February 26 – March 3

FRI | FEB 26

AMI SHABBAT DINNER

Join AMI for an interactive and family-friendly service, followed by a Shabbat dinner and kids program. The evening will illuminate the meaning of Shabbat — sanctifying the week and unifying the Jewish people. 5 p.m. service, 5:30 p.m. dinner and kids program. $70 per couple; $15 per child; free for children 3 and under. Pat’s Restaurant, 9233 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 278-1911. ” target=”_blank”>sexfaithplay.com

SAT | FEB 27

NATHAN MILLER

Come hear what this experienced writer and commentator has to say. Nathan Miller is president of Miller Ink, a strategic communications consultancy, but he has served as the policy director of the Homeland Security Advisory Council and as the director of speechwriting for Israel’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. As a senior communications adviser and the chief speechwriter for Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor, he was instrumental in crafting some of the most acclaimed and highly scrutinized speeches delivered on the floors of the U.N. in recent memory. 10:30 a.m. Free. The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 276-4246. ” target=”_blank”>malibuplayhouse.org.

HAVDALAH AND HOT DOGS

Enjoy Havdalah and a hot dog dinner! This year’s theme: #BeJewish24/7. There will be crafts and activities for the whole family. Hot dog dinner will be served from 5:30-6:15 p.m. followed by a service and evening festivities. 5:30 p.m. $7. Temple Etz Chaim, 1080 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. (805) 497-6891. SUN | FEB 28

The feature-length documentary “Most Likely to Succeed” examines the history of education and reveals the growing deficiencies of the school model in today’s world. For most of the last century, entry-level jobs were plentiful and college was an affordable path to a fulfilling career, but that is no longer the case. The film explores compelling new approaches in project-based learning that aim to revolutionize teaching as we know it. This event is presented by the Sholem Community. 10 a.m. coffee and bagels; 10:15 a.m. screening. Discussion to follow. Free for members and pre-registration; $5 donation at the door. Westside Neighborhood School, 5401 Beethoven St., Los Angeles. (818) 760-6625. ” target=”_blank”>vistadelmar.org.

BETZALEL ARTS FESTIVAL

Kehillat Ma’arav is launching a new program, JAWS (Jewish Arts Workshop Series), with a Betzalel Fest! There will be activities for all ages, such as candle making, kosher wine tasting, silk challah cover making, challah baking, arts and crafts, and a musical performance featuring flutist Susan Greenberg and pianist Louise Lofquist. 1 p.m. Free. Kehillat Ma’arav, 1715 21st St., Santa Monica. (310) 829-0566. MON | FEB 29

Eve Jochnowitz, the author of “The Vilna Vegetarian Cookbook: Garden-Fresh Recipes Rediscovered and Adapted for Today’s Kitchen,” will explore Fania Lewando’s extraordinary Yiddish vegetarian cookbook from 1937. Lewando’s cookbook is filled with recipes from Jewish tradition, European cuisine and the booming 20th-century health food movement. Jochnowitz also will engage in conversation with Evan Kleiman, host of KCRW’s “Good Food.” 12:30 p.m. Free. Tutor Campus Center at USC, 3607 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles. (213) 740-2311. WED | MARCH 2

While California is in the midst of its worst drought on record, Israel has emerged from years of chronic water shortages thanks to its water management and technology. Seth M. Siegel, author of “Let There Be Water: Israel’s Solution For A Water-Starved World,” will detail how Israel’s expertise can help solve water problems around the world. Hosted by the Jewish National Fund in collaboration with the Consulate General of the State of Israel, the City of Beverly Hills and the City of Los Angeles. 9 a.m. Free. RSVP by Feb. 29. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. (323) 964-1400. ” target=”_blank”>bethjacob.org. 

THUR | MARCH 3

BALADINO AND SPECIAL GUEST LA VICTORIA

Baladino combines everything from Egyptian darbuka to Armenian duduk, from Ladino classics to rare tunes. The Israeli group has stunning vocals, unexpected instruments and a perfect sense of arrangement. During their live performances, there are often instrumental improvisations driven by Mediterranean-Gypsy grooves with rock and electronic influences. Their vibrant and organic sound will be accompanied by special guest La Victoria. 8 p.m. $25. Pico Union Project, 1153 Valencia St., Los Angeles. (818) 760-1077.