Calendar: January 18-24

SAT | JAN 18

PINCHAS ZUKERMAN

The acclaimed violinist conducts one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious orchestras through some Bach, Schoenberg and Brahms. Born in Tel Aviv, Zukerman trained at Juilliard before playing with the London Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. After a successful career in recording, he began conducting in 1970. Since then, he has been a global musical leader, player and teacher. Forget the sounds of silence — bring on Zukerman! Sat. 8 p.m. $40-$65. Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. (818) 677-3000. ” target=”_blank”>elephanttheatre.org.

“HOLD ME, HEAL ME”

A little kindness goes a long way. The Jewish Women’s Theatre has an all-new salon show that will remind you how kindness can heal even our most broken moments. With poems, stories, music and plays, the evening offers laughter and reflection. Eve Brandstein directs Annie Korzen, Lisa Cirincione, Kate Zentall and Michele Brourman in this touching and honest acknowledgement of the lives we lead. Sat. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $30 (door). Through Jan. 31 (locations vary). National Council of Jewish Women, 543 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. ” target=”_blank”>jewishwomenstheater.org.

SUN | JAN 19

“A RADICAL FRIENDSHIP”

It’s a friendship that can inspire us all. Ed Asner (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Lou Grant”) and Jason George (“Grey’s Anatomy”) play Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., respectively. Jane Marla Robbins’ play explores the personal side of historic events, looking at how a Polish-born rabbi and a black Baptist minister formed an unlikely friendship and marched arm in arm together in their quest for social justice. San Pedro’s Temple Beth El presents this staged reading in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Sun. 7:30 p.m. $36, $54. Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, 501 Indian Peak Road, Rolling Hill Estates. (310) 544-0403. MON | JAN 20

L.A. rush hour got ya down? Are people bringing 15 items into the 12-item express lane? Don’t sweat the small stuff — a de-stressed life is in your future. Rabbi Laibl Wolf is a psychologist and best-selling author who uses ancient Jewish wisdom and positive psychology to get people feeling better. Retrain your brain with mindful living and reclaim your life. Mon. 8 p.m. $15 (advance), $20 (door). Laemmle Music Hall, 9036 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (424) 333-0006. TUE | JAN 21

PBS’ “American Masters” kicks off its 28th season with a special director’s cut of Shane Salerno’s documentary. Maybe the most intimate and comprehensive investigation into the author yet, Salerno spent 10 years exploring the “why” and the “who” of J.D. Salinger, the man who brought us “The Catcher in the Rye.” From his experiences in World War II, to his love affairs, to his retreat from the public eye, “Salinger” follows the mysteries of an American master. Tue. 9 p.m. (check local listing). Free. PBS. WED | JAN 22

Maybe the better question is what isn’t Jewish about changing the world? Panelists Rabbi Ed Feinstein, David Myers, Julie Platt, Adlai Wertman and Journal writer Danielle Berrin take part in a TED-style discussion and debate on religious, historical, philanthropic, civic and cultural responses Jews have had to making change. Drinks and appetizers will be provided, as will a post-debate Q-and-A. Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, YALA and PresenTenseLA. Wed. 7 p.m. $10. Jewish Federation, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 761-8161. THU | JAN 23

Leave your mittens at home! With heat lamps, Israeli beers and soulful tunes, the Temple Beth Am Pilch Rooftop is gettin’ hot. Grab a cozy couch spot and listen to some organic pop from singer-songwriter Adam Stern. The acoustic evening will also feature musician Josh Warshawsky, Temple Beth Am artist-in-residence, and mixed-media painter Ilan Laks. RSVP encouraged. Thu. 8 p.m. Free. Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 652-7354.