Calendar: February 19-25

FRI | FEB 19

“AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF U.S. POLICY TOWARD THE GREATER MIDDLE EAST”

Robert Silverman, director of the U.S. State Department’s Office of Regional and Multilateral Affairs in the Near Eastern Affairs Bureau, is the Temple Etz Chaim Men’s Club’s scholar-in-residence this weekend. His expertise covers a range of political, economic and security affairs in regards to U.S. engagement with the Middle East, and he will share his insight concerning critical issues facing Israel. This Shabbat service with an insider will be followed by an oneg. Scholar-in-residence events continue through Feb. 21. 7:30 p.m. Free. Temple Etz Chaim, 1080 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. (805) 497-6891. ” target=”_blank”>bcc-la.org.

SUN | FEB 21

CALLERS WANTED FOR “SUPER SUNDAY”

Come help strengthen the Jewish community of Los Angeles and The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles’ global reach. You can call from one of two locations to thank Federation supporters and ensure their continued support for 2016. (You’ll be asked to make your 2016 annual campaign pledge, too.) All you need to bring is your cellphone! Give back, have fun and enjoy some refreshments. Two shifts, 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Free. 18 and older. RSVP required. 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 761-8327 or 19710 Ventura Blvd., Suite 105, Woodland Hills. (818) 668-2337. ” target=”_blank”>lajh.org.

CELEBRATE THE HISTORY AND LEGACY OF VALLEY SHELTER

In 1983, the Valley Interfaith Council purchased the old Fiesta Motel, which became the first homeless shelter in the Valley owned by L.A. Family Housing. Known as the Trudy and Norman Louis Valley Shelter, it served 40 families. Come join volunteers, donors, residents and staff members to share photos and memories before it is razed this spring to make way for the new Campus at L.A. Family Housing. 1 p.m. Free. Please RSVP. Valley Shelter, 7843 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. (818) 982-4091. event@azconsulatela.org. King Fahad Mosque, 10980 Washington Blvd., Culver City. (323) 786-1229.

“THE MYSTERY OF LOVE & SEX” 

How can Charlotte explain her love life to her parents? She is in love with her best friend Jonny and her new friend Claire. “The Mystery of Love & Sex” provides a daring look at romance, race and our connections to each other as childhood friends contemplate their romantic relationship against the wishes of Charlotte’s parents — and exposes an uncomfortable truth. This is opening night for the play by Bathsheba Doran. 7 p.m. $55-$85. Through March 20. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 628-2772. TUE | FEB 23

One of the leading female pop singer-songwriters in Israel, Efrat Gosh, will perform an acoustic concert that is not to be missed. Her music combines a dramatic, sensual stage persona with top-notch composition and delivery. She is not only one of the leading female voices of her generation, but her songs make her a model of today’s feminine movement on the Israeli music scene. Oh, and she also happens to be a fashion icon. 8:30 p.m. $25. Busby’s East, 5364 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-839-4835.THUR | FEB 25

Hear former professional Israeli athletes share what it was like to compete in international sports on behalf of Israel and achieve global success while maintaining their Jewish identity. Among the featured speakers will be L.A.-native David Blu, a basketball star from USC who played on the Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club and won six European league championships; Aric Weinberg, a Southern California native and former minor league baseball player, who currently stars on the Israel national baseball team; and Marlee Galper, former captain of the Emerson women’s lacrosse team and current member of the Israel women’s national team. Moderated by David Katz, founder and CEO of Sports Media Ventures. 6:30 p.m. $25. Includes hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Cross Campus, 929 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica. (323) 761-8291.