Calendar Picks and Clicks: Nov. 18-26, 2010

THU | NOV 18

(EDUCATION)
Ruth Weisberg, former dean of the USC Roski School of Fine Arts and author of “The Open Door: A Passover Haggadah,” lectures on “Art and the Haggadah,” which kicks off The Board of Rabbis of Southern California’s yearlong community learning program, One People, One Book. This year’s program focuses on various themes in Geraldine Brooks’ “People of the Book,” a historical novel that explores the origins of the Sarajevo Haggadah, one of the world’s oldest haggadot. Thu. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $5 (kosher refreshments provided). University Synagogue, 11960 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 761-8600. boardofrabbis.com.

FRI | NOV 19

(ART)>
Burton Morris does art post-Pop style in a new exhibition of paintings. Join the artist for an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Fri. Through Dec. 19. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (regular hours). Free. Hamilton-Selway Fine Art, 8678 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. (310) 657-1711. burtonmorris.com

SAT | NOV 20

(FILM)
“Eyes on the Middle East”, a two-day film festival presented by Visions and Voices: The USC Arts and Humanities Initiative, explores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through screenings and panels with the Israeli, Palestinian and American filmmakers. Saturday films include “Bridge Over the Wadi,” “Paradise Now,” “9 Star Hotel,” “Be Quiet,” “West Bank Story” and “Lemon Tree.” Sunday features “Salt of This Sea,” “Lullaby” and “Campfire,” with a discussion via webcast. Sat. 12:45 p.m., Sun. 11:30 a.m. Free. Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. (213) 740-0483. usc.edu.

(ART)
“Maira Kalman — Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World),” a new Skirball exhibition, offers the first survey of the Tel Aviv-born artist’s multidecade career, including her covers and drawings for The New Yorker. Sat. Through Feb. 13. Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tue. through Fri. noon-5 p.m. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.

(BOOKS)
Poet Aram Saroyan discusses and signs copies of “Door to the River: Essays and Reviews From the 1960s Into the Digital Age.” Jewish Journal book editor Jonathan Kirsch describes Saroyan as “a writer who looks deeply into himself and his own experience, confronts what he finds there with real courage and reports what he has experienced with a measure of candor that is both breathtaking and, at moments, heartbreaking.” Sat. 5 p.m. Free. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 659-3110. booksoup.com.

SUN | NOV 21

(THEATER)
Randy Newman’s “Harps and Angels,” the grand finale of the Taper’s 2010 season, takes you on a witty musical adventure that includes more than 30 songs from the award-winning singer-songwriter, including “I Love L.A.” and “Short People.” Four-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks directs an ensemble cast that features Katey Sagal, Michael McKean, Adriane Lenox, Matthew Saldivar, Storm Large and Ryder Bach. Sun. Through Dec. 22. Various times. $35-$55. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org.

MON | NOV 22

(BOOKS)
Robert Scheer, editor of TruthDig.com and co-host of KCRW’s “Left, Right & Center,” discusses and signs copies of his new book, “The Great American Stick-Up: How Reagan Republicans and Clinton Democrats Enriched Wall Street While Mugging Main Street.” Mon. 7:30 p.m. Free. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 660-1175. skylightbooks.com.

(ART)
In her exhibition, “Women and Hair Coverings,” photojournalist Michele Silver documents women of faith who maintain modesty and tradition. Tonight, join the artist for a reception and a panel discussion. Mon. Through Dec.10. 7:30-9 p.m. Free. Hillel at UCLA, Gindi Hall, 574 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 208-3081. uclahillel.org.

(FILM)
Martin Scorsese directs “Public Speaking,” a documentary about Fran Lebowitz that captures the sardonic writer in conversation at the Waverly Inn, on stage with Toni Morrison and on the streets of New York. Produced by Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter. 10 p.m. HBO. hbo.com.

WED | NOV 24

(COMEDY)
Comedian Beth Lapides combines original music and stand-up for “100% Happy 88% of the Time,” a one-woman show about finding happiness during a time of profound change. Wed. 8:30 p.m. (Lapides also performs Dec. 1, 8 and 15.) $20. Improv Lab Theater, 8162 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 651-2583. improv.com.

THU | NOV 25

(MITZVAH)
Take a break from your Turkey Day prep and volunteer some time with the Westside Thanksgiving, an interfaith effort to feed and care for those in need. Pick from many ways to pitch in: Decorate, pick up turkeys and pies, greet and seat guests, serve food and more. Children welcome, but they must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Thu. 6 a.m.-7 p.m. (volunteer shifts). Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica. (310) 394-3153. westsidethanksgiving.org.

FRI | NOV 26

(MITZVAH)
Once you’re done with your Black Friday shopping, join the young professionals of Sinai Temple’s ATID as they volunteer with Operation Gratitude, assembling care packages for American troops stationed overseas. Fri. 1-4 p.m. California Army National Guard Armory, 17330 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys. (310) 481-3244. atidla.com.