Picks and Clicks Jan. 3 – 9: Einstein’s letters and interfaith Shabbat

SAT | JANUARY 3

(HUMANITARIANISM)
It’s the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution, but the island nation is also focused on recovering from recent hurricanes. Join other concerned Angelenos as they provide much-needed disaster relief through a “Potluck Dinner: Hurricane Relief Party for Cuba,” organized by Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring. Music, dancing, food, raffle and art auction will all be part of the festivities. All funds raised will be channeled to Cuba through Jewish Solidarity, an organization founded in support of the Jewish community in Cuba. Sat. 7:30 p.m. $5-$10, plus a potluck contribution for 8-10 people. Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 552-2007. ” target=”_blank”>http://www.jgscv.org.

MON | JANUARY 5

(HISTORY)
Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity is universally known. Not as well known is the Nobel-winner’s passion for humanitarianism, especially toward his fellow Jews. Before and during World War II, Einstein ran what he termed his own “immigration office” where he wrote affidavits recommending United States visas ” target=”_blank”>http://www.beverlyhills.org/services/library.

WED | JANUARY 7

(LECTURE)
Rabbi David Wolpe, who recently took on sharp-tongued atheist Christopher Hitchens in a debate on the existence of God, is often featured as an expert on biblical subjects for the History Channel and as a commentator for CNN and CBS news. Wolpe, it’s safe to say, has excelled in the craft of public speaking. Is it a natural ability or a learned skill? Hear directly from the master in “The Art of Public Speaking, With Rabbi David Wolpe,” where Newsweek’s No. 1 pulpit rabbi in America will offer insight into what makes a person a compelling orator and how proficiency in speech can be an invaluable tool. This event, though fascinating for people of all ages, is sponsored by ATID and Dor Chadash and is therefore exclusively for those between the ages of 21 and 39. Wed. 7 p.m. (dinner), 7:30 p.m. (program). $8 (members), $12 (guests with advance R.S.V.P.), $15 (at the door). Prices include dinner. Sinai Temple is located at 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 481-3244. ” target=”_blank”>http://wcce.ajula.edu (click on Making Marriage Work on the left-hand sidebar).

(POLITICS)
How will the new president and Congress affect the United States’ relationship with Israel? That’s the million-dollar question Murray Tenenbaum is asking (and attempting to answer) at American Jewish University’s class series, “The Changing Dynamics of U.S.-Israel Relations.” Tenenbaum is the former national director of government relations for the Zionist Organization of America. He also once served as foreign policy consultant to former U.S. Sen. Pete Wilson. And he was the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington. In short, Tenenbaum is someone well worth listening to on this crucial topic. Continuing education credit units are available. Wed. 8:30.-10 p.m. $146 (all eight Wed. sessions). Through Feb. 25. American Jewish University, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel-Air. (310) 440-1246. ” border = 0 vspace = ‘8’ hspace = ‘8’ align = ‘left’>public a chance to find out more about this unsung hero of the conservative world at a signing of his latest book, “The War Against the West.” A former ghostwriter for Richard Nixon, a law professor at Chapman University, host of the nationally syndicated radio program, “The Hugh Hewitt Show,” and executive editor of Townhall.com, there is a lot to learn about this respected evangelical Christian who has been making waves in certain circles for years. Thu. 11:30 a.m. $50. Fairmont Hotel Newport Beach, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach. R.S.V.P. at (818) 849-3470 ext. 209 or 213, or e-mail stephanie@horowitzfreedomcenter.org. ” target=”_blank”>http://www.artsandleisureweekend.com.

(CLASSES)
Who better to teach a Jewish music history class than a cantor who has been immersed in Jewish music since the age of 8? Nathan Lam, who has led the Stephen S. Wise congregation in holy song for 32 years and has a long list of accomplishments in the cantorial field, will be teaching a six-part series of classes titled, “Jews & Poland: 1,000 Years of History, Music and Culture,” at American Jewish University. Using a variety of materials, including rare film footage, the series will present the musical legacy of Polish Jewry through the ages, as well as the modern development of a new Polish Israeli alliance. A unique opportunity to briefly return to the days of riveting college courses, this continuing education seminar was organized by University Women, a volunteer organization that supports and supplements AJU’s programs. Thursdays, Jan. 8-Feb. 12. 10:30 a.m.-Noon. $75 (members) $90 (non-members), $18 (single class). AJU, small Berg Dining Room, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. (310) 440-1283. ” target=”_blank”>http://www.vbs.org/sisterhood.

FRI | JANUARY 9

(NATURE WEEKEND)
Join Rabbi Mike Comins, founder of TorahTrek Spiritual Wilderness Adventures, for an inspiring weekend getaway dubbed, “Judaism on the Wild Side: Explore the ” target=”_blank”>http://www.templebethdavid.org.

(INTERFAITH SHABBAT)
Paying homage to the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and demonstrating the still existent bond between the Jewish and black communities, Friday Night Live is going Interfaith for the fourth year. Rabbi David Wolpe and Craig Taubman will be joined by the Rev. Mark Whitlock, pastor of Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. Church, and the church’s award winning gospel choir. The music-filled once-a-month Shabbat service is invariably uplifting, but the annual Interfaith Friday Night Live is particularly raucous and packs the pews of Sinai Temple every year. The Jewish Television Network will be shooting the event for broadcast on the Network’s Web site later this month. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Free. Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 481-3244. ” target=”_blank”>http://www.secretrose.com.