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Fiesta Hanukkah Celebrate Chanukah with a Latin flair! This year, as part of the Skirball’s ongoing initiative to commemorate Jewish life in Latin America, the annual Chanukah family festival invites families of all backgrounds to enjoy Latin Jewish music, art making and storytelling, as well as tasty variations on holiday food favorites. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. $10 (general), $7 (seniors and students), free (members and children younger than 12). (877) 722-4849. <a href=\"http://www.skirball.org\" title=\"skirball.org\">skirball.org

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JewishJournal

December 3, 2009

Tuesday, December 1

“The December Dilemma”

A circle discussion for parents led by Rabbi Gershon Weissman on ways to help children survive and thrive during the winter season. All are welcome. 8 p.m. Temple Beth Haverim, 29900 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills. (818) 991-7111. ” title=”thousandoaksicerink.com”>thousandoaksicerink.com.

Woodland Hills Ice

Enjoy this inaugural winter wonderland, featuring more than 6,000 square feet of real ice. This outdoor ice rink offers daily recreational ice-skating, skating exhibitions and shows, birthday parties, holiday activities, skating lessons and more throughout the winter. Westfield Promenade. Prices include skate rental. $11 (children), $13 (seniors and students), $15 (adults). Open through February 21 (including holidays). For hours, visit ” title=”jewishla.org/finegood_art_gallery.cfm”>jewishla.org/finegood_art_gallery.cfm.

“The Wedding Singer: The Musical”

Based on the Adam Sandler-Drew Barrymore film, this heartwarming musical comedy follows wannabe rocker Robbie, a hopeless romantic, who meets a waitress named Julia and faces the highs and lows of being in love in the 1980s. The show features a Boy George-style version of the “Shehecheyanu” and the bar mitzvah-inspired “Today You Are a Man.” Runs through December 6. 8 p.m. $41-$52. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks. (805) 449-2787. ” title=”judaicworkshops.com”>judaicworkshops.com.

Saturday, December 5

Winter Fantasy Music & Light Show

Enjoy a computer-choreographed music and light show with more than 27,000 lights. 6-10 p.m. (plays every 15 minutes). Through New Year’s Eve. Historic Pagoda, Plaza Park, Fifth and B streets, downtown Oxnard. Free. (805) 385-2705. ” title=”jccatmilken.org”>jccatmilken.org.

Sunday, December 6

Holiday Homes Tour

The self-guided tour, now in its 18th year, is the Valley Wellness Community’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds helping to fund the organization’s free programs of support, education and hope for people fighting cancer and their families. Throughout Westlake Village. $30 (in advance), $35 (at the door). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Also, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. To purchase tickets, call (805) 379-4777 or visit ” title=”heritagesquareoxnard.com”>heritagesquareoxnard.com.

“One-Step Web Pages: Hodge Podge of Lesser-Known Gems” and Annual Chanukah Party

This presentation is a sequel to the “Potpourri of Genealogical Search Tools” lecture Steve Morse, creator of the One-Step Web site, gave to JGSCV last December. Learn how to handle problems with genealogical searches, including identity theft and DNA. Light refreshments will be served celebrating Chanukah. Free. 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Conejo Valley and Ventura County. Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. (818) 889-6616. ” title=”ncjhs.org”>ncjhs.org

Tuesday, December 8

An Evening With Denise Hamilton

The author of mysteries such as “The Last Embrace,” “Jasmine Trade” and other Eve Diamond books talks about her work. 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Brandeis National Committee, Conejo Valley Chapter. Oak Park Community Center, 1000 Kanan Road, Oak Park. $10. (805) 496-1463.

Jewish Lifein Latin America

Sunday, December 6

Fiesta Hanukkah

Celebrate Chanukah with a Latin flair! This year, as part of the Skirball’s ongoing initiative to commemorate Jewish life in Latin America, the annual Chanukah family festival invites families of all backgrounds to enjoy Latin Jewish music, art making and storytelling, as well as tasty variations on holiday food favorites. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. $10 (general), $7 (seniors and students), free (members and children younger than 12). (877) 722-4849. ” title=”skirball.org”>skirball.org

Thursday, December 10

“From Oslo to Jerusalem to Tehran: What the Iranian Nuclear Threat Means to Israel’s Future”

Discussion with Rabbi Daniel Gordis, senior vice president of the Shalem Center in Jerusalem, and Rabbi Edward Feinstein, senior rabbi of Valley Beth Shalom. Co-sponsored by Valley Beth Shalom and AIPAC. 7 p.m. (registration), 7:30 p.m. (program). Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. RSVP to (323) 937-1184.

Saturday, December 12

Vodka Latke

Includes plenty of latkes, vodka and more. For those 21 and older. 9 p.m. Sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara’s Young Adult Division. Private home in Santa Barbara. For more information, contact {encode=”mwitt@sbjf.org” title=”mwitt@sbjf.org”}.

Sunday, December 13

Heschel West Day School Chanukah Open House

Families with pre-kindergarten through first grade children are invited to an open house with Chanukah activities, crafts and a Chanukah play by Heschel West students. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. 27400 Canwood St., Agoura. RSVP to (818) 707-2365 ” title=”venturaharbor.com “>venturaharbor.com

Menorah Lightings

Sunday, December 13

Community Grand Menorah Lighting

Lighting, latkes and music. 2-4:30 p.m. Ventura Pier, Harbor Boulevard, between California and San Pedro streets. Sponsored by Chabads of Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo and the Jewish Federation of Ventura County. (805) 647-7800.

Sunday, December 13

Lighting at The Oaks

6:30 p.m. The Oaks Mall, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. (805) 497-0839. ” title=”shermanoaksgalleria.com”>shermanoaksgalleria.com.

Tuesday, December 15

The Lakes Lighting

6:30 p.m. The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. (805) 497.9861. ” title=”congregationbnaiemet.org “>congregationbnaiemet.org

Wednesday, December 16

Calabasas Lighting

Lighting, music and fireworks. 6:30 p.m. Calabasas Commons, 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas (818) 222-3444. ” title=”toaks.org”>toaks.org.

Saturday, January 9

“Rent”

The award-winning rock musical, loosely based on “La Boheme,” is about a group of friends struggling to survive in Manhattan’s Lower East Side and reach the world through their art. 8 p.m. Runs through February 14. $20 (adults), $16 (seniors and students, recommended for those 14 and older). 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. (805) 583-7900. ” title=”jgscv.org”>jgscv.org.

Sunday, January 17

Daylong Mah Jongg Tournament

Bring your 2009 Mah Jongg card with your name on it. $30 (includes breakfast, lunch, two sessions and awards). 8:30 a.m. Sponsored by Adat Elohim Sisterhood. Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. RSVP required. (805) 370-1039. ” title=”jccatmilken.org”>jccatmilken.org.

Sunday, January 24

New Community Jewish High School Open House

Prospective students and families are invited to experience the NCJHS community and get acquainted with faculty representing all academic departments, including Athletics and Experiential Education; a presentation by Bruce Powell, head of school; personal perspectives from students; separate student and parent question-and-answer sessions and panels; and information tables. Refreshments will be served. 10:30 a.m. 7353 Valley Circle Boulevard, West Hills. RSVP to (818) 348-0048.

Thursday, January 28

Hillel 818 Dinner Celebration

Event honoring outstanding community members and distinguished alumni. Proceeds support innovative student programs at Pierce & Valley Colleges Hillel and CSUN Hillel. 6 p.m. Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. Call for tickets, (818) 887-5901.