FRI APRIL 5
“Dinner for 30 Strangers”
Join the Chai Center for “Dinner for 30 Strangers,” a four-course Shabbat meal in an elegant setting, with an opportunity to meet and connect religiously with Jewish singles ages 21–39. Rabbi Mendel Schwartz and his rebbetzin, Esther, host the evening in their Hancock Park home. Between courses, they entertain and teach while introducing Chassidic melodies, followed by rounds of “Stump the Rabbi and the Rebbetzin.” 7–10:30 p.m. Free. $100 sponsorship. RSVP required. Address provided upon RSVP. If sold out, email adrianne@chaicenter.org to be placed on a waiting list.
“Let My People Come”
Enjoy food and storytelling and explore the Passover themes of redemption and freedom at the Skirball Cultural Center in partnership with Miry’s List. Rabbi Sarah Bassin begins the “Let My People Come” evening, defining the Jewish value of welcoming the stranger, in particular, today’s refugees. Guests are served a Syrian dinner prepared by a recently arrived refugee family while KCRW host Evan Kleiman moderates a discussion with chefs about their escapes from danger. 6:30 p.m. $45 members, $55 general admission, $90 host. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. (310) 440-4500.
“Shabbat in the Park”
Families with children ages 6 and younger are invited to attend Sinai Temple’s “Shabbat in the Park,” offering a breezy and fun introduction to Shabbat. Music, play areas and the open spaces of Holmby Park highlight the Friday evening gathering. Families are encouraged to bring their own dairy picnic dinner. 5:45–7:15 p.m. Free. Holmby Park, 601 Club View Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 474-1518.
Adam Milstein
Israeli-American philanthropist and community leader Adam Milstein addresses the Republican Jewish Alliance’s San Fernando Valley chapter about the hate threatening American Jews today. Milstein, a native of Haifa, Israel, and chair of the Israeli-American Council, argues that anti-Zionism is anti-American. Buffet lunch served. Noon–1:30 p.m. $30 members, $40 general, $45 at the door. Credit card or check only. Braemar Country Club, 4001 Reseda Blvd., Tarzana.
“Friday Night Unplugged”
Rabbi Mendel Simons and an acapella group offer a Friday night experience for Jewish professionals ages 21–39 at Beverly Hills Synagogue. The evening opens with a scotch-and-sushi cocktail hour and includes a mindful, musical and meditative Kabbalat Shabbat. Evening attire. 6–9 p.m. 6:30 p.m., bar opens. $15. Beverly Hills Synagogue, 9261 Alden Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 692-4190.
“Love Shabbat”
Celebrate the most important person in your life in a quiet setting during “Love Shabbat Unplugged,” featuring the soft string melodies by the JAC Trio and readings of memorable love poetry. Participants also may wish to receive a special anniversary blessing. 8–9:30 p.m. Free. Temple Emanuel, Corwin Family Sanctuary, 8844 Burton Way, Beverly Hills. (310) 288-3737.
Jewish Legal Opinions
Loyola Law School professor Laurie Levenson appears as the Shabbat scholar-in-residence for three days at Temple Ramat Zion in Northridge. A 30-year member of the Loyola faculty, Levenson specializes in ethical advocacy and is often quoted by news media for her legal insights. Levenson’s topics are “Seeing the American Media Through Jewish Eyes,” “Seeing the American Legal System Through Jewish Eyes” and “Jewish Identity and the Separation of Church and State.” Friday, 6 p.m. Shabbat services and 7:15 p.m. dinner, with Levenson’s presentation to follow. 9 a.m. Shabbat morning service, with Levenson speaking at lunch. 9 a.m. Sunday breakfast with Levenson to follow. $15 Shabbat dinner, free Shabbat lunch but reservations recommended, $8 Sunday breakfast. Temple Ramat Zion, 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge. (818) 360-1881.
SUN APRIL 7
Bob Woodward at AJU
Nearly a half-century after his investigations into the Watergate scandal made him a celebrity journalist, Bob Woodward, associate editor at The Washington Post, sits for a conversation with Jeffrey Herbst, president of American Jewish University. They talk about the inner workings of government and the media, and the role of leadership. Woodward has won or shared two Pulitzer Prizes, starting with his coverage of Watergate, and 13 of the 19 books he has written or co-authored have been #1 best-sellers. 9:30 a.m. Tickets $55 and $75. A VIP breakfast with Woodward at 8:30 a.m. is $150. American Jewish University, Gindi Auditorium, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. (310) 440-1572.
Mark Schiff
A funny thing happens to comedian Mark Schiff on his way to Temple Ner Simcha, which he talks about when he headlines “The Simcha Series: A Celebration of Jewish Arts.” 7–8:30 p.m. Free. Temple Ner Simcha, 880 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village. (818) 851-0030.
Camp Alonim Open House
Two months before the end of the school year, Camp Alonim and Gan Alonim hold an open house followed by a campuswide “Sunday in the Park” event, featuring horseback riding, archery and arts and crafts. Kosher food for sale. Noon–4 p.m. Camp Alonim tours, 12:15 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:15 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. Gan Alonim tours, 12:15 p.m., 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University, 1101 Peppertree Lane, Simi Valley. (877) 225-6646.
“Walk to End Genocide”
Jewish World Watch’s seventh annual “Conejo Valley Walk to End Genocide,” a 5K walk and rally, assembles at Temple Etz Chaim. Catering to children as well as adults, the event offers a Red Hands Campaign, arts and crafts, and a free hate-speech workshop, while drawing attention to specific violent areas around the world. 12:30–2:30 p.m. $30, ages 23-and-older; $18, ages 5–22; free for children ages 4 and younger. Temple Etz Chaim, 1080 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Jewish World Watch: (818) 501-1836.
TUE APRIL 9
Milstein and Berenbaum
Israeli-American leader Adam Milstein argues “Anti-Semitism Is Not Only a Jewish Problem — It’s An American One, Too: Discussing Unique Strategies to Fight Back,” with Michael Berenbaum, director of American Jewish University’s Sigi Ziering Institute. 7:30 p.m. $10. American Jewish University Familian Campus, Gindi Auditorium, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. (310) 440-1572.
WED APRIL 10
“Politics on the Pulpit”
Three prominent rabbis debate their distinct views during “Politics on the Pulpit.” Rabbi Elliot Dorff, rector of American Jewish University and a professor of philosophy at AJU’s Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, moderates a panel featuring IKAR Rabbi Sharon Brous, Rabbi Elazar Muskin of Young Israel of Century City and Rabbi John Rosove of Temple Israel of Hollywood. They examine the role of the rabbi in discussing headline-making issues that may have profound moral implications. 7:30 p.m. $10. American Jewish University, Gindi Auditorium, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. (310) 440-1572.
Chief Rabbi of Uganda
Chief Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, leader of the Abayudaya (People of Judah) community, an estimated 1,500 Jews in Uganda, talks about how interfaith initiatives have improved the lives of Jews and non-Jews alike, brought a measure of peace, and tamped down anti-Semitism. Sizomu received ordination from American Jewish University’s Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in 2008. After his lecture, he delivers a musical performance. 7 p.m. Free. Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd. (310) 652-7353. RSVP at lmandelbaum@tbalaorg.
THU APRIL 11
‘Orphans’ at Yula
“Orphans,” a play about two adult brothers who are orphaned during childhood and pursue lives of crime, opens at YULA Boys High School for three performances. Written by Lyle Kessler, “Orphans” debuted in 1983 and was praised by the Los Angeles Times for conveying the message that “we all need each other.” April 11: 7:30 p.m. April 14: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10–$180. YULA Boys High School, 9760 Pico Blvd. (310) 203-3180. .
“Threats to the Future of Judaism”
David Suissa, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Jewish Journal, discusses “What Is the Biggest Threat to the Future of Judaism?” at an event organized by The Executives of the Los Angeles Jewish Home. 7 p.m., wine and dessert reception. 7:30 p.m. program. Members $25 pre-registered, $30 at the door. General admission, $30 pre-registered, $35 at the door. El Caballero Country Club, 18300 Tarzana Drive, Tarzana. (818) 774-3332.
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