Saturday
Fine art for rent at LACMA. Yep, you read that right. The museum’s Art Rental and Sales Gallery sits on the lower level of the Anderson building and features the works of local artists, for sale or rent. For a few more days, you can view their current exhibition of five Southern California artists, including Jewish artist Deborah Hadl. Why not take her “Blue Night Sky” for a test drive today?Runs through March 13. 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (Tuesdays and Thursdays-Saturdays). Free. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 857-6500.
Sunday
Tackling some of the controversy over “The Media and the Middle East” this week, is Los Angeles Times television critic Howard Rosenberg and a panel of Jews, Arab Americans and journalists. They’ll address questions of media bias and coverage choices, among other things. Rosenberg hosts the discussion as part his ongoing “Small Screen, Big Picture” series at the University of Judaism.2 p.m. $15. 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. (310) 440-1546.
Monday
Paul Shapiro has put together the hippest of minyans.His new CD, titled “Midnight Minyan,” recasts Jewish prayers with blues, jazzand funk infusions. Mix yourself a martini and settle in for a “Ma Lecha Hayam”you can slow dance to, a funky, jazzy “Haftorah Prelude” and a mellow, almostsleepy “Aitz Chaim He” dedicated to Shapiro’s father. $15.
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Tuesday
Artistic variations on the theme of the Holocaust are on display at the University of Judaism through April 13. “The Yom HaShoah Show” includes an installation on hate crimes by Vivian Lombrozo, abstract art on canvas by Nancy Kay Turner and stark and contemporary photographs of concentration camps by Ben Golden.10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday), 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Fridays). 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. (310) 476-9777, ext. 201.
Wednesday
Time for another season of L.A. Theatre Works’ “The Play’s the Thing” radio theater series. Spring 2003 begins with David Mamet’s movie biz critique, “Speed the Plow.” The performance, starring Adam Arkin, Jeff Goldblum and Missy Yager, will be recorded for future broadcast on KPCC 89.3 FM, but you can see it live tonight at the Skirball.Plays March 12-14 and 16. 8 p.m. (Wednesday-Friday), 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Sunday). $10-$42. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 827-0889.
Thursday
Ladies can jump on the Kabbalah bandwagon this month andstill appear ahead of the curve. Out in time to coincide with Women’s HistoryMonth is Rabbi Tirzah Firestone’s new book, “The Receiving: Reclaiming JewishWomen’s Wisdom” (Harper San Francisco, $24.95). The refreshing spin isFirestone’s exploration of the Kabbalah from a woman’s perspective through thestories of seven holy women rarely heard of in Jewish history. For a potentialMadonna sighting, head to Congregation Kehillat Israel today, where Firestonewill discuss and sign the book that’s been lauded by Anita Diamant (“The RedTent”) and Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. 7:30 p.m. 1609 Sunset Blvd., PacificPalisades. (310) 459-2328. For information on Firestone’s other L.A.appearances, visit
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Friday
Hildy Brooks, a married woman and an actress, corresponds through letters with a Czech sculptor, Olbram Zoubek, for 25 years. The letters are romantic, even erotic. Then, one day she finds herself in Prague with the possibility of seeing Zoubek in person. “Reunion in Prague” is Brooks’ retelling of these events in her life, in play form. She plays herself. Her husband, Jim Antonio, plays the role of Zoubek. Another strange but true story, folks. Might just be worth checking out.Runs through March 16. 8 p.m. (Fridays and Saturdays), 3 p.m. (Sundays). $15 (Fridays and Saturdays), $10 (Sundays). Stage Lee at the Lee Strasberg Creative Center, 7936 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. (323) 650-7777.
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