Picks and Clicks for October 17– October 23, 2009

SAT | OCTOBER 17

(BOOK SIGNING)
Jewish actress Alicia Silverstone may have been out of the limelight this past year, but she’s kept busy as a dedicated conservationist. She will be signing copies of her first book, “The Kind Diet”  (Rodale Books), a collection of vegan recipes promoting a healthy lifestyle and a healthy planet. Sat. 1 p.m. Free. Barnes & Noble, 1201 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica. (310) 260-9110. ” title=”luckmanarts.org”>luckmanarts.org.

(THEATER)
Henry Jaglom’s new play, “Just 45 Minutes From Broadway,” centers on a family of actors who host a potential son-in-law over a weekend, but find he does not share their generations-long dedication to theater. This world premiere of the play stars Tanna Frederick, Julie Davis, David Garver, Jack Heller, David Proval, Diane Salinger and Harriet Schock. Tonight’s gala opening-night performance will be followed by a reception with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and music. Sat. 8 p.m. Through Dec. 20. $25 (regular performances), $100 (gala). Edgemar Center for the Arts, 2437 Main St., Santa Monica. (310) 392-7327. ” border = 0 vspace = ‘8’ hspace = ‘8’ align = ‘left’>(DISCUSSION)
Talk show host Bill Moran will moderate a discussion with two of the most influential American songwriters and producers of all time: Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who are responsible for such post-World War II pop songs as “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Stand by Me” and “Poison Ivy.” Following the discussion, Leiber and Stoller will sign copies of their recently published memoir, “Hound Dog: The Leiber and Stoller Autobiography.” Sun. 2 p.m. $25. American Jewish University, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. (310) 440-1246. ” title=”vistadelmarjazzfest.org”>vistadelmarjazzfest.org.

(CONCERT)
The Los Angeles Master Chorale’s season opening performance of Mozart’s “Requiem” and John Adams’ “Choruses from the Death of Klinghoffer” at Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of many concerts around the world celebrating the power of music to bridge cultural barriers as part of the eighth annual Daniel Pearl World Music Days. Itzhak Perlman, Herbie Hancock, Matisyahu, Ravi Shankar and Joshua Bell are a few of the other artists participating in the peace-promoting initiative, which will include more than 850 performances in 53 countries throughout the month of October. Sun. 7 p.m. $19-$124. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 972-7282. ” title=”danielpearlmusicdays.org”>danielpearlmusicdays.org.

(LECTURE)
Historian and author Melvin I. Urofsky will illuminate the life and multiple careers of legendary Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis. Urofsky will discuss, among other notable achievements, the role Brandeis played in transforming Zionism into a political force in American Jewish affairs. The historian, who studied family papers and materials never before accessible to the public, will sign copies of the biography that resulted from his research: “Louis D. Brandeis: A Life.” Sun. 2 p.m. $5 (free for members and students). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. ” title=”beittshuvahla.org”>beittshuvahla.org.

(VOLUNTEER)
The Jewish Federation Valley Alliance is sponsoring an all-volunteer program to help SOVA feed the city’s hungry. Coordinated by Temple Ahavat Shalom, “Feeding the Hungry” will put volunteers to work assembling 40,000 meals; volunteers must sign up in advance in order to participate. Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The JCC at Milken, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills. (818) 360-2258. ” title=”skirball.org”>skirball.org.

(LECTURE)
American Jewish University’s Whizin Center for Continuing Education is offering a four-part course titled, “One God, Two Faiths: The Jewish/LDS Dialogues,” taught by Rabbi John Crites-Borak and Mark Paredes. The course explores the doctrinal differences and similarities in four foundational concepts common to both Judaism and Latter-day Saints. Tonight’s lecture, “God’s Covenant With Abraham,” will explore the statement made by God to Abraham, “You shall be the father of a multitude of nations.” Tue. 8-9:30 p.m. Through Dec. 8. $73 (series). AJU, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. (310) 476-9777. ” border = 0 vspace = ‘8’ hspace = ‘8’ align = ‘left’>(FORUM)
“Women Rabbis: Trailblazers and Innovators,” a public discussion sponsored by The Jewish Journal and Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, will feature Rabbi Sharon Brous from IKAR, Rabbi Denise L. Eger from Congregation Kol Ami, Rabbi Laura Geller from Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, Rabbi Zoë Klein of Temple Isaiah, Rabbi Naomi Levy of Nashuva, Rabbi Michelle Missaghieh of Temple Israel of Hollywood, Rabbi Debra Orenstein of Makom Ohr Shalom and Susan Freudenheim, The Jewish Journal’s managing editor, as the moderator. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to SOVA. Wed. 7:30 p.m. $10 (presale), $15 (at the door). Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (213) 368-1661, ext. 251.

(THEATER)
Ed Asner and Jonathan Silverman star in “Once in a Lifetime,” a George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart classic screwball comedy poking fun at Tinseltown, with ditzy starlets, ego-driven studio heads and a trio of scheming vaudevillians. An L.A. Theatre Works production, directed by Christopher Hart — the son of the legendary playwright — to be broadcast on public radio stations nationwide. Wed. 8 p.m. Through Oct. 25. $20-$48. L.A. Theatre Works at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 827-0889.