SAT | APRIL 21
EARTH DAY HIKE
Spend Earth Day connecting wilderness, spiritual practice and Judaism on a TorahTrek hike intended for fit and active adults seeking awe-inspiring wilderness adventures. This 4.2-mile trip to Escondido Falls, a 150-foot multitiered waterfall near Malibu, will take approximately three and a half hours and ranges from flat and very easy sections to stream crossings and more difficult scrambles. Bring sturdy shoes, water and snacks. Sat. 2 p.m. Donations only. Meeting place: Parking lot at 27200 Winding Way, Malibu (about a mile south of Kanan Road in Malibu). (443) 722-4294. torahtrek.org/community/socal.
VIETNAM WALL MEMENTOS
Last month, Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary in Whittier hosted a traveling scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Today, 1,000 mementos left by visitors will be blessed and interred in a vault emblazoned with military seals representative the five service branches. Sat. 2:30 p.m. Free. Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary, Pageant of Roses Garden, 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier. (562) 699-0921. rosehills.com.
JASCHA HEIFETZ: GOD’S FIDDLER”
American Cinematheque screens the L.A. premiere of director Peter Rosen’s documentary about violinist Jascha Heifetz, the first modern violin virtuoso. Also screening is “Khachaturian,” Rosen’s doc about Armenian-Soviet composer Aram Khachaturian, best-known for the iconic “Sabre Dance.” Between films, Rosen and executive producer Dora Kuhn participate in a Q&A. Sat. 7:30 p.m. $11 (general), $9 (students, seniors), $7 (American Cinematheque members). Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. (323) 461-2020, ext. 120. americancinematheque.com.
SUN | APRIL 22
“COLLEGE: STRIKING A BALANCE”
Students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades, and their parents, are encouraged to attend this educational event, which includes advice on responding to anti-Israel/pro-Palestinian sentiment on campus. Discussions include “The J Factor: How to Look at the College Search Process Through a Jewish Lens,” “The Independent Life: What to Expect During Your Freshman Year of College” and “Letting Go: A Discussion for Parents of College-bound Students.” Hosted by Sinai Temple, Far West Region of United Synagogue Youth and The Jewish Federation’s Weinberg Israel Fellows Program. Sun. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free (RSVP required). Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 474-3232. jewishla.org.
“GAME CHANGE”
Adapted from the 2010 book by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, this political drama from director Jay Roach takes us behind the scenes of Sarah Palin’s selection as John McCain’s running mate during the 2008 presidential campaign. The HBO film screens today at American Jewish University, with Halperin and screenwriter Danny Strong participating in a post-screening conversation with Rabbi David Wolpe. Sun. 5 p.m. $20 (suggested donation per ticket). American Jewish University Familian Campus, Gindi Auditorium, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 440-1592. ajula.edu.
WED | APRIL 25
JOSHUA BELL
Grammy-winning violinist — and proud Jew — Bell has plenty to be energized about: His latest CD, “French Impressions,” which features work by Camille Saint-Saëns, Maurice Ravel and César Franck, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Traditional Classical Chart in January, and he is the new music director of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, a London-based chamber orchestra that performs with him tonight. Bringing along his cherished 1713 Stradivarius violin, Bell makes his first appearance at the Valley Performing Arts Center. Wed. 8 p.m. $40-$85. Valley Performing Arts Center at California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. (818) 677-3000. valleyperformingartscenter.org.
SHIRA L.A.
Celebrate Israel Independence Day during this community-wide sing-along event at Temple Beth Am, featuring a live band, Israeli and American songs, songbooks with Hebrew transliterations and Israeli refreshments. Wed. 7 p.m. $10 (online pre-sale), $15 (door). Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 652-7353. tbala.org.
