SAT | MARCH 17
MALCOLM HOENLEIN
The executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations serves as Beth Jacob Congregation’s scholar-in-residence today. Hoenlein discusses “World Jewry Faces the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities” during Shabbat services, “An Insider’s View of American Jewish Activism” during a lunch and learn, and “Jewish Political Power: Myths and Realities” at a melaveh malkah. Sat. 11:15 a.m. (“World Jewry”), 12:15 p.m. (afternoon lunch and learn), 8:45 p.m. (“Jewish Political Power”). Free (“World Jewry” and “Jewish Political Power”). $35 (lunch and learn, adults), $25 (lunch and learn, children 10 and under). Beth Jacob Congregation, 9030 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills. Malaveh malkah at a private Beverly Hills residence. (310) 278-1911. bethjacob.org.
“SCHUND!”
Director Yael Leibovitz Zand’s mockumentary follows the search for a renowned Yiddish actor who disappeared 25 years ago, leaving behind debts, rumors and broken promises. Featuring interviews with Israeli Yiddish theater veterans, the film explores a time when the Israeli establishment sought to suppress Yiddish’s popularity in favor of Hebrew culture. The West Coast premiere of “Schund!” includes a panel discussion with actor Mike Burstyn and UC Berkeley Hebrew and Yiddish literature professor Chana Kronfeld, moderated by Yiddishkayt Executive Director Robert Adler Peckerar. Part of the 26th annual Israel Film Festival. Sat. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $12 (general), $10 (seniors). Laemmle Music Hall 3, 9036 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 966-4166. israelfilmfestival.com, yiddishkayt.org.
SUN | MARCH 18
“THE SPIRIT OF SHABBOS”
Yachad Dance Ensemble West presents this full-length ballet, choreographed by Hadassah Esther, which depicts the beauty of Shabbat. For women and girls only. Proceeds benefit Bais Chesed L.A. Sun. 2 p.m. $20 (prime seating), $10 (secondary seating). Beverly Vista Auditorium, 200 S. Elm Drive, Beverly Hills. (424) 242-2438. atime4dance.com.
THE REGENERATION CONCERT FOR POSSIBLITY
Actor Ed O’Neill (“Modern Family”) and musician Yuval Ron appear at this interfaith concert and fundraiser, which features performances by Riad Abdel-Gawad, Ali Amr, Ahmed El Asman, Rabbi Hagai Batzri, Cantor Rita Glassman, Chazan Danny Maseng, Noor, Rowan Storm, Craig Taubman, Hillel Tigay and Judeo, the Yuval Ron Ensemble and the Temple Emanuel Choir with Cantor Yonah Kliger. Proceeds benefit reGeneration projects in the Middle East. IKAR, Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills and the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center co-sponsor, among many others. Sun. 7-9 p.m. $20 (advance, general), $25 (door, general), $100-$1,000 (VIP packages). Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, 300 N. Clark Drive, Beverly Hills. (818) 305-6847. regenerationedu.org
“EXCAVATING ‘THE 2000 YEAR OLD MAN’ ”
Highlighting a recent exchange between Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner, this new documentary features the comedy legends dishing on the genesis of their friendship and “The 2000 Year Old Man,” their classic comedy routine. The program highlights their infamous television appearances, including performances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The New Steve Allen Show,” and Jewish icons, such as Garry Shandling, Paul Reiser and Rabbi David Wolpe, discussing Brooks and Reiner’s chemistry. Sun. 5 p.m. PBS SoCal, Channel 50. Tues., March 20. 10 p.m. KVCR, Channel 24. pbssocal.org, kvcr.org.
TUE | MARCH 19
“SAFFRON AND ROSEWATER”
Stories and songs conjure the smells, sounds and tastes of Iranian nights during this evening of readings presented by Jewish Women’s Theatre. Featured works by Gina Nahai, Angela Nazarian, Esther Amini, Farideh Goldin and Dora Levy Mossanen, among others. Tue. Through March 22 (March 19 and 20, Westside; March 21, San Fernando Valley; March 22, Beverly Hills). 7 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show time). $30 (includes dessert buffet). Venue addresses e-mailed upon reservation. jewishwomenstheatre.org.
WED | MARCH 21
PAUL MAZURSKY
The Skirball recognizes the Oscar-nominated writer-director with the cinematic series “Through a Glass Brightly: A Paul Mazursky Retrospective.” Tonight, Mazursky appears in conversation with screenwriter and frequent collaborator Leon Capetanos, following a screening of his autobiographical film, “Next Stop Greenwich Village.” Wed. 7:30 p.m. $10 (general), $8 (members), $6 (full-time students). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.
THU | MARCH 22
MORTON KLEIN
The Zionist Organization of America president discusses “Israel and the Arabs: Can There Ever Be Peace” at The Hub On Venice’s Sophos Café. Thu. 6 p.m. (dinner), 8 p.m. (presentation). $10. Sophos Café, 11827 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 424-4435. zoawest.org.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.