Calendar picks and clicks: Dec. 25–Jan. 7, 2011

SAT | DEC 25

(MITZVAH)
If you want to feel great on Christmas Day, help out at Temple Israel of Hollywood’s 25th annual Christmas Dinner Project, which feeds more than 1,000 of Hollywood’s homeless and hungry, provides children with toys and photo-ops with Santa, and distributes blankets, toiletries and more. Volunteers must sign up in advance and be 13 or older. Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Hollywood United Methodist Church, 6817 Franklin Ave., L.A. (323) 876-8330. tioh.org.

(HUMOR)
Rather than Chinese food and a movie, consider Chinese food and some laughs. Shomrei Torah Synagogue hosts Chow Fun Comedy Night, featuring live sets by comedians Stanley Ullman, Geoff Keith, Steve Mittleman and Stephanie Blum and a Chinese buffet dinner. Ages 18 and up. Sat. 7-10:15 p.m. $60. Shomrei Torah Synagogue, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. (818) 346-0811. stsonline.org.

Comedian Elon Gold, known for impersonating Jay Leno, Jeff Goldblum and Howard Stern, performs with special guest comedians during A Very Jewish Christmas at the Laugh Factory. A toy giveaway for children and a free holiday dinner for actors, comedians and those in need precede the show. Sat. 9:30 p.m. $20 (general), $30 (VIP); two-drink minimum not included. 8001 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. (323) 656-1336, ext. 1. laughfactory.com.

MON | DEC 27

(ART)
More than a dozen artists, including Carol Es, Erella Teitler and Benny Ferdman, use art to reinvent traditional Jewish rituals in “Jewish Ritual: Rethinking, Renewed,” a new mixed-media exhibition opening today at the Finegood Art Gallery. Mon. Through Feb. 27. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Monday-Thursday), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Friday), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sunday). Free. Finegood Art Gallery at the Bernard Milken Jewish Community Center, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills. (818) 464-3216. jaisocal.org.

(MITZVAH)
Knit Wits volunteers make and donate handcrafted items to nursing homes, shelters, hospitals and community members in need. New helpers are welcome and donations of yarn and craft store gift cards are appreciated. Mon. 1 p.m. Free. Alpert JCC, 3801 E. Willow St., Long Beach. (562) 426-7601. alpertjcc.org.

THU | DEC 30

(SENIORS)
Jewish Family Services’ Israel Levin Senior Center throws its annual seniors-only New Year’s Eve party, featuring desserts, sparkling apple cider and live music by the senior-led ensemble Harmonica Magic. Thu. 1 p.m. (party). Free. Israel Levin Senior Center, 201 Ocean Front Walk, Venice. (310) 396-0205. jfsla.org.

SUN | JAN 2

(MUSIC)
Maestro Mika Eichenholz, more than 75 classically trained musicians and dancers from the Vienna City Ballet bring the splendor of the Viennese-style New Year celebration to L.A. with “Salute to Vienna.” Sun. 2:30 p.m. $50-$135. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., L.A. (213) 365-3500. salutetovienna.com.

TUE | JAN 4

(ART)
“Illuminated Reflections,” a first-time collaborative exhibition from veteran artists and longtime friends Bill Aron and Victor Raphael, opens today at the Skirball. Gold- and metal-leaf photos — a hybrid art form that gives Aron’s works an illuminated shimmer — capture Jewish and diverse cultures around the world. Mon. Through May 8. Noon-5 p.m. (Tuesday-Friday), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Saturday-Sunday). Free. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.

THU | JAN 6

(CURRENT EVENTS)
Reza Aslan, the Iranian American author of “No god but God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam” and editor of the recently released anthology “Tablet and Pen: Literary Landscapes From the Modern Middle East,” lectures on “Iran, Israel and The U.S.: Conflict or Cooperation?” Afterward, he discusses the topic with Sinai Temple’s Rabbi David Wolpe and signs copies of his books. Thu. 7:30 p.m. Free. Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. (310) 474-1518. sinaitemple.org.

FRI | JAN 7

(RELATIONSHIPS)
Learn the characteristics of a healthy relationship as therapist Karen Kass leads a discussion during Marriage, Myths & Martinis.  Shabbat chicken dinner is included, a vegetarian option available. Fri. 6:30 p.m. (Shabbat service), 7:30 p.m. (dinner). $36 (per couple). Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 652-2384. tbala.org.