Sunday, Feb. 10
“What Is a Jew?” The Stephen S. Wise Youth Orchestra will address that question today in World Premiere of Russell Steinberg’s Symphony No. 2. Includes performances of Moussorgsky’s “Gopak,” Bruckner’s “Scherzo from Symphony No. 7” and Copland’s “Down a Country Lane” with narrations by four Jewish leaders in the Los Angeles. community. $5-$50. Sun., Feb. 10, 2:30 p.m. at Milken Community High School, 15800 Zeldins’ Way, Los Angeles and Mon., Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. at the Colburn School of Performing Arts, 200 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. For tickets or more information, call (310) 440-3500 ext. 3344.
Monday, Feb. 11
Tonight, Kehillat Israel ends its month-long “Comedy on Camera” series with a salute to the “Oy Veys” of Judaism in “Why is Jewish Angst So Funny?” Host Greg Sherman will present entertainers who express Jewish angst so perfectly, including Albert Brooks, star of the comedy “Mother.” 7:30 p.m. 16019 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades. For reservations or more information, call (310) 459-2328.
Tuesday, Feb. 12
It’s amazing how different life was for Persian Jews in Iran. I often record my grandmother’s stories because I anticipate that someday my kids will be interested in these relics. Now, anyone can learn to record their stories and pass them on to future generations through Temple Beth Israel’s class on Jewish Storytelling. Arave Talve will lead a three-session workshop on organizing, recording and telling oral histories while tying them to the Torah. 7-8 p.m. 3033 N. Towne Ave., Pomona. For reservations or more information, call (909) 626-1277.
Wednesday, Feb. 13
Sex. Drugs. Rock ‘n’ roll. All of these were enjoyed by the ficticious band, Stillwater, the 70s rock band in the hit flick “Almost Famous.” That kind of life would be fine if they hadn’t brought a 15 year old from the suburbs along for the ride. Much to his mother’s dismay, the young Rolling Stones reporter’s wide-eyed innocence was shattered by the time he finally got his interview with the lead singer. Today, at the Museum of Tolerance, Rabbi Ari Hier will lead a discussion, “Almost Famous: A Jewish Perspective On Rock and Roll Culture,” on why parents want to shield their children from that kind of life, and if some go too far. The presentation will include clips of the film, along with a question and answer session with Rolling Stones Contributing Editor David Wild. $4 (members); $5 (nonmembers); 7 p.m. 9786 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. For reservations or more information, call (310) 552-4595 ext. 21.
Thursday, Feb. 14
She’s unconventional, brash and lewd. Then, what’s so good about Sandra Bernhard? Well, with her frizzy hair and an in-your-face spice all her own, the Jewish comedienne tells it like it is. Whether it’s ridiculing models or candidly exploring sexual topics, Bernhard offers a breath of fresh air in the stifling superficiality of Hollywood. Tonight, she performs a one-woman show, Hero Worship. $25. Mon., Feb. 11-Thurs., Feb. 14, 7 p.m. The Knitting Factory, 7021 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. For tickets or more information, call (323) 463-0204.
Friday, Feb. 15
Sept. 11, 2001. A day will live in infamy in the minds of every American — including children. The exhibit, “Healing Art: Our Children’s Hope for the Future After 9/11,” at Santa Monica Place Mall’s Community Focus Gallery features the drawings, paintings and poems of first- through twelfth-graders from throughout Los Angeles. Healing Art conveys the fears, hopes and insights that can only be seen through a child’s eyes. Opening reception: Sun., Feb. 10, 2:30 p.m. Through March 25. For more information, call (310) 440-5374.
