Calendar January 10-16

SAT | JAN 10

GENE KELLY: THE LEGACY — AN EVENING WITH PATRICIA WARD KELLY

Did you know Gene Kelly spoke Yiddish and was a Shabbos goy? If you think that’s surprising, there’s a lot more to learn about this legendary actor, director and choreographer. Patricia Kelly — his widow, biographer and the person who knew him best — offers a rare and intimate look into his life using film clips, personal memorabilia and recalled conversations. Fans of Kelly will get to feel more like his friend — at least for a night. 8 p.m. $39-$59. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 746-4000. SUN | JAN 11

It’s pop Orthodox, just the way you like it. Bringing together the history and culture of Judaism and the pep of pop music, Avraham Fried delivers a megastar performance of Chasidic tunes. He has more than nine albums, a DVD and an Israeli tour under his belt. Fried is a strong player in the Jewish music scene, having collaborated with Yossi Green and introducing the public to singer and composer Chanan Yovel, and this evening, he’s playing for you. Separate and mixed seating sections available. 6:30 p.m. $15-$100. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (323) 655-0111. TUE | JAN 13

Moderated by Rabbi Joshua Aaronson, this conversation between Philippe Assouline and Alan Elsner, for StandWithUs and J Street, respectively, will give the Los Angeles Jewish community a sense of the challenges facing Israel, misconceptions about the country, and the role the U.S. and American Jews can play in ensuring peace and security for the region. Both organizations express pro-Israel sentiments: The question is — what exactly does that mean? 7 p.m. Free. RSVP recommended. Temple Judea, 5429 Lindley Ave., Tarzana. (818) 758-3800. WED | JAN 14

The rich culture of Persian Jews — their history dating back to the eighth century B.C.E. — has a pervasive presence in Los Angeles. But with 60 percent of Jews in Iran emigrating after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and assimilating quickly into their new homelands, some of the story has dissipated. Come get a little closer to the history, politics and culture of Persian Jews, and dine on authentic cuisine. 6:30 p.m. Free. Must RSVP. Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, 8844 Burton Way, Beverly Hills. (310) 288-3737. Search “The Untold Story of Persian Jewry” on THUR | JAN 15

Get your sneak peak while it’s hot! It’s the third season of Nick Kroll’s sketch comedy show — a biting expression of the narcissism in popular culture today. Created by Kroll, John Levenstein and Jonathan Krisel, these quick and funny first two episodes will be followed by a conversation with actor John Mulaney, actor/writer Jon Daly, Kroll and Levenstein. Kroll, who you may know from “The League” and his many guest roles on “New Girl,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Community” and more, brings a honed expertise to his own series — leaving you with the last laugh, and a few more after that. 7:30 p.m. Free. Reserve tickets online. Bing Theater, LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 857-6010. ” target=”_blank”>skirball.org. 

“DON’T TELL MY MOTHER!”

The latest installment of Hollywood producer Nikki Levy’s live storytelling showcase, which was recently named one of the best L.A. comedy shows by USA Today, features Iranian-Jewish comedian Dan Ahdoot (“The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”), East Side Jews’ funny-girl Jessie Kahnweiler and other comedy notables. Listen to them share true stories their mothers would rather not know. 7 p.m. (party), 8 p.m. (show). $20. Ages 21 and up. Busby’s East, 5364 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 780-6368. FRI | JAN 16

It’s the L.A. premiere of one of the hottest films out of Israel last year. Filmmaker Talya Lavie gives us a unique portrait of everyday life for a unit of young, female soldiers in an isolated Israeli desert outpost. Sometimes dark and sometimes hilarious, Lavie’s debut is an important look at the power struggles of three women with lots of ideas and little to do. Winner of six Israeli Academy Awards and best narrative feature award at the Tribeca Film Festival, it’s a movie you should be motivated to see. Starring Dana Ivgy, Nelly Tagar and Shani Klein. Through Jan. 22. Various times. $9-$11. Nuart Theatre, 11272 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 473-8530.