Calendar

“Women Rabbis: Trailblazers and Innovators,” a public discussion sponsored by The Jewish Journal and Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, will feature Rabbi Sharon Brous from IKAR, Rabbi Denise L. Eger from Congregation Kol Ami, Rabbi Laura Geller from Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, Rabbi Zoë Klein of Temple Isaiah, Rabbi Naomi Levy of Nashuva, Rabbi Michelle Missaghieh of Temple Israel of Hollywood, Rabbi Debra Orenstein of Makom Ohr Shalom and Susan Freudenheim, The Jewish Journal’s managing editor, as the moderator. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to SOVA. Wed. 7:30 p.m. $10 (presale), $15 (at the door). Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (213) 368-1661, ext. 251.

Calendar Picks and Clicks September 26–October 2, 2009

The inaugural Middle Eastern Comedy Festival in Los Angeles gathers some of the top stand-up comedians in the business to dispel the myth that talent from that region of the world is only applied to explosive engineering. (That was a joke.) The festival begins with the Brown Carpet Stand-Up Comedy Gala for charity, starring Maysoon Zayid (“You Don’t Mess With the Zohan”), Peter the Persian (Sultans of Satire), Ronnie Khalil (Comedy Central’s “The Watch List”) and others, hosted by Maz Jobrani. The laughs continue with “Night of 1001 Sketches … More or Less … Probably Less,” four performances of sketch comedy at Acme Comedy Theatre. The last night, a stand-up comedy showcase at the Laugh Factory, will feature more headliners and up-and-comers, followed by a closing party. Opening Night: Tue. 7:30 p.m. $40-$50. Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. Through Sept. 25. For details, visit mideastcomedyfest.com.

Even faced with the worst of circumstances — war, poverty, illness and hunger — children make use of what’s around them to create toys. “The Power to Play — From Trash to Treasure” is a new ChildFund International and Museum of Tolerance exhibit that displays this indomitable spirit, showcasing more than 200 toys handmade by disadvantaged children around the world, using scraps of metal, discarded bottles and other waste to entertain themselves. Former Miss USA, Shauntay Hinton, who was sponsored by the same organization — ChildFund — as the young toymakers, will share her inspiring story. Children will also have the chance to create their own toy from recycled materials. Sun. 1:30-4 p.m. Through Dec. 31. Free. Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance, 9786 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (804) 756-8987. childfund.org.

Calendar Picks and Clicks August 22–28, 2009

Calendar Picks and Clicks August 15–21, 2009

Calendar Picks and Clicks August 8–14, 2009