Saturday
Head to Valley Beth Shalom tonight to hear Israelipop/rock star Rami Kleinstein in his show, “Rami and the Piano.” His musicalrange encompasses Latin, soul, rap, gospel and rock ‘n’ roll beats. Tonight,they get the acoustic treatment, in a show that would be better titled “RamiUnplugged.” 8 p.m. $35-$75. 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. (818) 986-7332.
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Sunday
The nonagenarian Anti-Defamation League celebrates its 90th tonight with a gala honoring Billy and Tootsie Veprin and a performance by Lou Rawls. But another of the night’s highlights should be hearing keynote speaker Irshad Manji, author of “The Trouble With Islam: A Wake-Up Call for Honesty and Change.” The Toronto-based journalist, author, television producer and media entrepreneur who refers to herself as a Muslim refusenik, has called for the defeat of anti-Semitism, the oppression of women and other kinds of human rights violations occurring in Islamic society. Basically, if you meet her tonight, probably best not to call her tootsie.5 p.m. $500. R.S.V.P., (310) 446-8000, ext. 260.
Monday
Tonight it’s “Dreidels and Sleighbells” (no schnitzel with noodles). Tyne Daly, Rod McKuen and Jason Graae star in the benefit concert at the Skirball, raising money for West Coast Ensemble and Actors’ Fund of America. Daly reads you a story: “A Candle in the Forest,” while McKuen performs selections from his vast portfolio and Graae offers excerpts from his own one-man show.8 p.m. $50-$150. 2701 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. R.S.V.P., (323) 525-0022.
Tuesday
Our Chanukah pick of the week? Three words: Drag QueenBingo. Miss Belle Aire is tonight’s hostess with a little something extra, andthe Jewish hipster’s answer to holiday spirit. Young professionals head toCyrano Restaurant at 7 p.m. to schmooze, 8 p.m to bingo. All thanks to the folksof Wilshire Boulevard Temple’s The Tribe. 7 p.m. $20 (online), $25 (at thedoor). Light appetizers, drink tickets and Chanukah treats included. 8840Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood. To pay, go to www.paypal.com and send money to
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Wednesday
It’s a very special episode tonight, as Robbie Gringras performs “The Situation Comedy,” a dramatic solo act about Israeli life under the current intifada. The lauded British-born Israeli writer, director and actor offers a — at turns — humorous and sad look at the Jewish response to what Israelis have understatedly termed the matzav, Hebrew for “situation.” See the Dec. 9 show in the Valley or tonight’s in Beverly Hills.$5-$10. Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., The Women’s Club, 4808 Kester Ave., Sherman Oaks. Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m., Emanuel Arts Theater, 8844 Burton Way, Beverly Hills. R.S.V.P., (323) 658-5824.
Thursday
Sherry Yard’s worthy-of-Wolfgang dessert recipes have made her the pastry chef at Spago. Go beyond patty-cake with her help this morning, as she offers “A Cooking Demonstration: The Secrets of Baking With Sherry Yard.” A buffet tasting and book signing of her latest, “The Secrets of Baking: Simple Techniques for Sophisticated Desserts,” follows.10 a.m.-noon. $30-$55. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. R.S.V.P., (323) 655-8587.
Friday
Heeeeeeere’s Shelly! For three nights only, beginning this evening, Shelly Cohen, ex-assistant musical director for Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show,” presents his “Klezmer Goes Hollywood.” The show features performances by The Pacific Pops Orchestra, The New Horizon Singers as well as two of Cohen’s childhood pals from Brooklyn. Tunes will include a medley from “Schindler’s List,” Chanukah songs, Yiddish classics like “My Yiddishe Mama” and old Sephardic and Israeli favorites.8 p.m. (Dec. 12, 13 and 14), 2:30 p.m. (Dec. 14). $18-$20. The West Valley Playhouse, 7242 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park. R.S.V.P., (818) 884-1907.
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