SUN | NOV 10
AN UNCOMMON JOURNEY
Siblings Deborah Strobin and Ilie Wacs, survivors of Kristallnacht, will share their experience and discuss their memoir, “An Uncommon Journey,” during the Museum of Tolerance’s Kristallnacht commemoration. A book signing will follow. Advanced reservations recommended. Sun. 3 p.m. Free (with museum admission). 9786 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 772-2504. ” target=”_blank”>aju.edu.
“GREETING THE SEASON: THE DECEMBER DILEMMA IN AMERICAN JEWISH POP CULTURE”
Merry Christmas — whether you like it or not. Author and Rutgers University Jewish studies scholar Jeffrey Shandler discusses the unique impact Christmas has on American Jews’ celebration of Chanukah in an era of consumerism and public displays. The lecture will be followed by commentary with Josh Kun, associate professor with the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism as well as the Department of American Studies and Ethnicity. Sun. 4:30 p.m. Free. Please RSVP. The Davidson Conference Center, 3425 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. (213) 740-1744. ” target=”_blank”>sierramadreplayhouse.org.
TUE | NOV 12
KRISTALLNACHT COMMEMORATION
The Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts and the Jewish studies program of Loyola Marymount University (LMU) host their annual commemoration of Kristallnacht. With prose in both Yiddish and English, song and commentary featuring Cantor Jennifer Bern-Vogel, it will be a moving evening with the help of pianist Tova Morcos. A short film about LMU students in Poland studying the Holocaust will be premiered. A reception follows the program. Tue. 7 p.m. Free. LMU University Hall, 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 338-7664. THU | NOV 14
EMIL DRAITSER
The Ukrainian author and scholar discusses “Laughing all the Way to Freedom: Social Functions of Jewish Humor of Modern-Day Exodus.” How were Jews able to create communities and hold on to their identity when society told them no? Jewish “jokelore” of course! Draitser draws from his book “Taking Penguins to the Movies: Ethnic Humor in Russia” and addresses the vital social role of Jewish humor. A Q-and-A with sociology professor Gail Kligman follows the lecture. Thur. Noon. Free. 10383 Bunche Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles. (310) 825-8030. ” target=”_blank”>jfsla.org.
FRI | NOV 15
“AFTERMATH”
When a secret is learned, two Polish brothers must revisit their perception of their father, family, neighbors and the history of their nation. Winner of the Yad Vashem Award at the 2013 Jerusalem Film Festival and the Critics’ Prize at the 2012 Gdynia Film Festival, “Aftermath,” inspired by actual events, has caused such a controversy with the Polish right wing, it has been banned from some local cinemas. Come and learn what all the fuss is about. Fri. Various times. $11 (general), $8 (seniors, ages 11 and under, bargain matinee). Playhouse 7, 673 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Royal, 11523 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. Town Center 5, 17200 Ventura Blvd., Encino. (310) 478-3836. ” target=”_blank”>shalominstitute.com.
