WED FEB 20
“INTERSECTING PATHS: ART AND HEALING”
Twelve artists explore personal spiritual healing in the works on display in this new exhibition. Among them is photographer Bill Aron, known for his poetic images of Jews in America and abroad and whose cancer diagnosis led him to change his direction in photography; Carol Es, who creates paper collages and garment patterns that draw on family dysfunction and her Jewish heritage; and Carol Goldmark, for whom art plays an important role in her ability to live with arthritis. Wed. 5-7 p.m (artists’ reception). Free. Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Mercaz Gallery, 3077 University Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 765-2015. jewishwisdomandwellness.org/exhibition.
“SACRED SPACES II”
The aesthetics of a house of worship affect the way its congregation prays. A seminar for clergy, professionals and students as well as all those interested in sacred art, design and architecture, “What Makes Space Sacred?” reflects on the use and meaning of sacred space in churches and synagogues. The afternoon of dialogue includes a presentation by Jeff Greene, president and executive of EverGreene Architectural Arts; a panel discussion on the history and theology of sacred spaces featuring William Dyrness, a theology and culture professor at the Fuller Theological Seminary, and Joshua Holo, associate professor of Jewish history at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and dean of the L.A. campus; and commentary by Richard Mouw, president of the Fuller Theological Seminary, and Jonathan Freund, interim executive director at the Board of Rabbis of Southern California. Wed. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free (RSVP required). First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena. (323) 761-8600. jewishla.org.
“FOUR RABBIS, FIVE OPINIONS”
With news about elections, immigration, settlements and economic woes coming out of Israel nonstop and much being written about the widening gulf between American Jews and Israeli Jews, Rabbis Leonard Beerman (Leo Baeck Temple), Laura Geller (Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills), Yosef Kanefsky (B’nai David-Judea) and Adam Kligfeld (Temple Beth Am) wade through the noise and make sense of it all, sharing their thoughts on current events in Israel and 21st century challenges of Israeli-Diaspora relationships. Wed. 8 p.m. Free. Temple Isaiah, 10345 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 277-2772. templeisaiah.com/lifelong-learning.
THU FEB 21
“TAKE A BITE OUT OF OVARIAN CANCER”
After losing her 20-year-old daughter, Robin, to ovarian cancer, Paulinda Schimmel Babbini — a 2013 Jewish Journal Mensch honoree — founded the Ovarian Cancer Circle. The nonprofit raises money to fund ovarian cancer research and education by hosting community events, including today’s charitable luncheon at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Woodland Hills. All proceeds will go toward finding a cure. Thu. 11:30-1:30 p.m. $40 (includes raffle ticket). RSVP by Feb. 18. Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. (323) 842-8100. theovariancancercircle.org/events.
MUSIC FEST
The Los Angeles Jewish Home becomes eclectic. Singer-songwriter Jude, pop-rock world fusion band HYIM, classic r&b duo Vinyl Playlist, rock ’n’ roll collective the Revolving Doors and others perform at Guardians of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging’s Young Women’s Division inaugural benefit concert. The event raises funds for residential and community-based programs that support elderly and needy members of the Los Angeles Jewish community. Thu. 7 p.m. $35 (members), $40 (general). The Mint, 6010 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 479-2168. give.laguardians.org/musicfest.
“FROM MOSCOW WITH LOVE”
Stand-up comedian Noah Gardenswartz, who chronicled his European escapades in the Facebook video series “The Adventures of WanderJew,” shares jokes, observations and personal stories with a dry wit that has made him an up-and-comer on the national scene. The show raises awareness for Entwine, the young adults initiative of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). A leading humanitarian assistance organization, JDC works in more than 70 countries to alleviate hunger and hardship. Event also features a photo exhibition showcasing portraits of “Righteous Gentiles” in today’s Belarus. Thu. 7-10 p.m. Free. ACME Comedy Theatre, 135 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 525-0202. globaljewishcomedytourla.eventbrite.com.
NINA STOREY AND THE WELLSPRING
The intimate venue Hotel Cafe hosts performances by singer-songwriter Nina Storey — a grantee of the SEDER Art Micro-Grant Initiative, which funds projects by emerging Jewish artists — and indie band the Wellspring, led by vocalist Dov Rosenblatt. Storey offers up classic soul-pop on her latest album, “Think Twice,” and the Wellspring mixes folk, rock and country. 21 and older. Thu. 8:30 p.m. (the Wellspring), 9:30 p.m. (Storey). $6 (the Wellspring), $10 (Storey). Hotel Cafe, 1623 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 461-2040. hotelcafe.com.
FRI FEB 22
“SILENT WITNESSES”
More than 1 million of the 1.5 million Jewish children living in Nazi-run territories were dead by the war’s end. Playwright, actress and CSUN lecturer Stephanie Satie focuses on child survivors to offer an uplifting take on the children of the Shoah in her new show, “Silent Witnesses.” The one-woman play draws on interviews and conversations with child survivors who are silent witnesses no longer. A reception follows. Fri. 8 p.m. $15. The Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818) 990-2324. brownpapertickets.com.
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