Calendar: October 16-22

SUN | OCT 18

EHUD BARAK

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak will kick off the Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California. In addition to serving as prime minister, he served Israel as chief of general staff of the Israel Defense Forces, foreign minister and, most recently, minister of defense. Barak led Israel out of a recession and into an economic boom and played a vital role in various Middle Eastern peace efforts. 6:30 p.m. Part of the Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California. Package starts at $343 (seven speakers). Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 546-6222. ” target=”_blank”>orami.org.

“WOMEN OF VALOR AND OTHER SUPER HEROES”

Paper-cutting artist Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik explores women’s voices in the Torah in this new exhibition of Jewish feminist art. He focuses on “super women of Jewish tradition” and, in particular, the relationship between mothers and daughters. In each of the show’s more than two dozen works, there is a seamless graphic composition made from cut-up comics, maps and other ephemera. At today’s opening reception, hear the artist talk about blending traditional sources and comic book stories in his work to embody the 21st century’s mash-up culture. 3 p.m. Free. National Council of Jewish Women, 543 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 852-8512. MON OCT | 19

A talk about same-sex marriage and equality with litigator Roberta Kaplan, who recently won the defining United States v. Windsor case to defeat the Defense of Marriage Act, and Lillian Faderman, award-winning activist, author and scholar, will be led by Los Angeles Times columnist Patt Morrison as part of the critically acclaimed ALOUD series of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. Kaplan’s journey to legal success is captured in her new book, “Then Comes Marriage,” and Faderman’s latest book, “The Gay Revolution,” takes us from the 1950s, when homosexuality was a crime, to modern-day struggles — and successes. 7:15 p.m. Free. Reservation recommended. Los Angeles Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles. (213) 228-7500.” target=”_blank”>laemmle.com.

TUES | OCT 20

FIFTH ANNUAL PROFESSOR GERALD B. BUBIS LECTURE

Acclaimed Israeli historian, author and commentator Gershom Gorenberg will discuss “The Crisis in Israeli Democracy” as the keynote speaker at this year’s lecture honoring the late Gerald B. Bubis. After the talk, Gorenberg will be in conversation with Rabbi Ed Feinstein of Valley Beth Shalom (VBS) and take questions from the audience. Bubis, a supporter of progressive Israel who pioneered the field of Jewish communal service, died in August at 91. Come join this event of remembrance. The event is co-sponsored by Americans for Peace Now and VBS. 7:30 p.m. Free. RSVP requested. Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. (323) 934-3480. THURS | OCT 22

Written and directed by Saul Ilson, six-time Emmy nominee, this is Satan’s tell-all memoir. The play is a one-act conversation: Satan is in town promoting his best-selling book, “God: The Early Years,” and calls in to an interview talk show. Satan tells outrageous anecdotes about the Almighty and other biblical characters in the Bible, promising not to take it personally if you laugh at him. 8 p.m. $20. Renegade Theatre, 1514 N. Gardner St., Los Angeles. (323) 874-1733.