Calendar picks and clicks: Feb. 8–Feb. 18, 2011

Erwin Chemerinsky, founding dean at the U.C. Irvine School of Law, joins John Eastman, Kennedy chair in law at Chapman University, for a discussion moderated by Los Angeles Times editor-at-large Jim Newton. Tue. 7 p.m. Free. Mark Taper Auditorium, Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., downtown.

[additional-authors]

Ryan Torok

February 9, 2011

TUE | FEB 8

“Is There a Conservative Assault on the Supreme Court?”
Erwin Chemerinsky, founding dean at the U.C. Irvine School of Law, joins John Eastman, Kennedy chair in law at Chapman University, for a discussion moderated by Los Angeles Times editor-at-large Jim Newton. Tue. 7 p.m. Free. Mark Taper Auditorium, Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., downtown. (213) 228-7025. lfla.org.

THU | FEB 10

Leon Wieseltier
The New Republic’s literary editor delivers the 2011 Daniel Pearl Memorial Lecture, “Peace Process or War Process? The Defeat of Reason in the Middle East.” Wieseltier’s extensive resume includes “Kaddish,” a 2000 National Book Award finalist, and service on the Committee for the Liberation of Iraq. Thu. 6 p.m. Free. Korn Convocation Hall, UCLA Anderson School of Management, 110 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles. (310) 206-6365. international.ucla.edu.

“Race to Nowhere”
Shalhevet high school hosts a screening of director Vicki Abeles’ documentary, which explores pressures faced by youth and teachers today amid dropping test scores, and the expectations of parents, universities, school districts and society at large. A Q-and-A with Shalhevet dean Roy Danovitch and school counselor Rachel Hecht follows. Thu. 7:30 p.m. $10 (advance), $15 (door). Laemmle Music Hall, 9036 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (925) 310-4242. racetonowhere.com.

FRI | FEB 11

“The Violet Hour”
It’s 1919, and independent publisher John Pace Seavering has only enough money to release one book. He must choose between the manuscript his college friend has written and memoirs by a popular jazz singer, who is also his mistress. Darin Anthony directs Richard Greenberg’s 2003 dramedy. Fri. Through March 13. 8 p.m. $20-$30. Lillian Theatre, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 960-1054. plays411.net.

SAT | FEB 12

SECOND ANNUAL POWER OF JEWISH FILMS FESTIVAL
Tonight’s festival features three award-winning Israeli short films — “Cheftzi on Air,” a drama about a call-in romance show host whose world begins to collapse after she proposes to her boyfriend on air; “Rosenzweig — Born to Dance,” a documentary featuring an 88-year-old whose commitment to tap dancing is a matter of survival; and “Stand at Ease,” a dramedy about an 18-year-old torn between his passion for music and the opportunity to join an elite IDF commando unit. Oscar-winning producer Howard Rosenman moderates a discussion with Neta Ariel, director of the Ma’aleh School of Television, Film and the Arts, and an Israeli director following the screening. Sat. 8 p.m. $20. Gindi Auditorium, American Jewish University, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 476-9777. ajula.edu.

SUN | FEB 13

“ON BROADWAY” WITH LESLEY WOLMAN
The songstress returns to the Gindi, following last year’s sold-out show, with a new concert. Backed by the Michael Asher Quintet, Wolman performs songs from beloved Broadway musicals, including “The King and I,” “Guys and Dolls” and “Wicked.” Best known for her show and CD, “Jewish Women in Song,” Wolman counts Bette Midler and Barbara Streisand among her influences. Sun. 4 p.m. $25. Gindi Auditorium, American Jewish University, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 476-9777. ajula.edu.

“THE BUDGET AS AN ETHICAL DOCUMENT”
Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield (D-Canoga Park), chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, joins the Progressive Jewish Alliance’s Valley Salon Series for a discussion on the challenges of balancing the California budget. Sun. 10 a.m. (brunch), 10:45 (program). Free ($10 suggested donation). Private residence in Woodland Hills (RSVP for address). (323) 761-8350. pjalliance.org.

“LECHI LACH” — A DEBBIE FRIEDMAN COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
On the occasion of the end of Friedman’s sheloshim (30 days of mourning), musicians, rabbis and cantors — including Cindy Paley Aboody, Cantor Kenny Ellis, Rabbi Ed Feinstein, Cantor Mimi Haselkorn, Sam Glaser, Cantor Linda Kates, Julie Silver, Cantor Mike Stein and the Rolling Steins, and Craig Taubman — celebrate the composer and performer’s legacy. Preferred seating to Super Sunday volunteers. Sun. 7:30 p.m. Free. Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. RSVP, (818) 530-4094. vbs.org.

MON | FEB 14

“ONE IS A LONELY NUMBER: JEWS AND POLYGAMY”
Spend Valentine’s Day learning about the Jewish take on loving (and marrying) more than one person. Author and educator Ken Blady will address such topics as: the concubine in Jewish law, polygamy among Jews in Confucianist China, polygamy and romance among the Jews of Yemen, and bigamy as economic imperative among the Jews of Kurdistan. Mon. 6-10 p.m. $25. American Jewish University, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 476-9777. ajula.edu.

TUE | FEB 15

MATISYAHU: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
The Chasidic reggae star, best known for the hit songs “King Without a Crown” and “One Day,” performs an acoustic concert. Expect melodic vocals, hip-hop-inspired beat- boxing and spiritually resonant lyrics. Comedian Mendy Pellin, who specializes in Jewish humor, serves as the evening’s emcee. Tue. 7:30 p.m. $36-$108, $180 (VIP). Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Fred Kavli Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. (805) 449-2700. matisunplugged.com.

“IS THERE AN AFTERLIFE?”
Get ready to rumble. Journal Editor-in-Chief Rob Eshman moderates tonight’s discussion with authors Christopher Hitchens (“God Is Not Great”) and Sam Harris (“The End of Faith”), Sinai Temple’s Rabbi David Wolpe and American Jewish University’s Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson. Tue. 7:30 p.m. $45 (open seating), $100 (VIP seating and reception with speakers). Wadsworth Theatre, Veterans Administration Grounds, 11301 Wilshire Blvd. (310) 440-1246. ajula.edu/afterlife.

WED | FEB 16

“JEWISH LIFE ON CAMPUS: WHERE TO FIND IT AND HOW TO BE A PART OF IT!”
Tonight’s program for college-bound high school juniors and seniors features a panel discussion with representatives from American Jewish University, StandWithUs, Hillel, AIPAC and the Greek system, moderated by Sinai Temple’s Rabbi Nicole Guzik; a session for parents on “Letting Go,” led by a licensed clinical social worker; a dessert reception; and a chance for students to win $500 scholarships. This is the first session of Sinai Temple’s 2011 college connection program, co-organized by American Jewish University. Wed. 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Sinai Temple. 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 481-3234. sinaitemple.org.