Calendar Girls Picks and Clicks Dec. 13- 19: Chanukah, Heeb, Israel, Yiddish

SAT | DECEMBER 13

(ISRAEL)
If you lost your brother in combat, would you enlist in the army? If your father was killed on the battlefield, would you sign up for the same unit? The 28 IDF soldiers who will be guests of honor at a luncheon today did exactly that. Required to get written consent from a parent or guardian to serve as kravim ” target=”_blank”>http://www.nessah.org

(CHANUKAH)
Get your holiday sizzle on at the OC Young Leadership Division’s “Latkes & Vodkas” Chanukah party. Aside from rhyming, latkes and vodkas sound like a delectable pairing. But food and drinks (of which there will be plenty at the open bar) are not the only appealing aspect of this bash. Themed “Hanukkah in Hawaii,” this party at a lush private estate will include desserts, dancing, entertainment and a chance to do good — bring gift cards to donate to families in need through Jewish Family Service. Singles on the prowl and couples looking for a good time are all welcome, but you must be between the ages of 21 and 45 to attend. Sat. 8 p.m. $36 (advance), $40 (at the door). Private home, 11611 Arroyo Ave., north Tustin (call for directions). (949) 435-3484. yld@jfoc.org. ” target=”_blank”>http://www.hamiltonmusic.org.

(CONCERT)
For women only: a concert starring Julie Geller (described once as “Ani DiFranco meets Deepak Chopra”) and artist Barbara Keller. Other women to be featured in the concert include: Cathy Heller, Enny Wax, Joni Krevoy — and you! Join along in a magical night of singing in “Lend Your Voice and Unite the Light,” all in support of the “Happy Minyan,” whose motto is: It’s a great mitzvah to always be happy. Sat. 8 p.m. $15. The Happy Minyan, 9218 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. ” border = 0 vspace = ‘8’ hspace = ‘8’ align = ‘left’>Jewish Book Month Breakfast. Learn how performer and author Wex has helped bring Yiddish back into the mainstream, all while making people laugh. Co-sponsored by the UCLA Center for Jewish Studies, the library’s annual used book sale will follow the program, giving holiday shoppers a fantastic way to stock up on favorite reads. Sun. 9:30 a.m. $25. Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 481-3217. ” target=”_blank”>http://www.standwithus.com.

(CHANUKAH)
The Skirball’s Chanukah Family Festival is loaded with activities for children of all ages. The daylong celebration will include extraordinary balloon twisters, interactive musical puppet shows exploring the history of the festival of lights, workshops where kids can make sand-filled Chanukiahs and custom dreidel game kits, an energetic performance by the Stein Brothers and holiday treats like latkes and jelly donuts. In addition to all this fun, you and your family can also enjoy the “Lights of Hanukkah” tour in the museum and take a stroll through the Skirball’s current exhibits, including “Visions and Values: Jewish Life From Antiquity to America” and “Becoming American: Teenagers and Immigration.” Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $7 (seniors and students), $10 (general), free for Skirball members and children under 12. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4657. ” target=”_blank”>http://www.alpertjcc.org.

(YIDDISH)
Seeking relief from all those Yuletide ditties blaring while you shop? Look no further than the Yiddish Culture Club, which is presenting a concert of favorite Yiddish songs, featuring Cantor Herschel Fox from Valley Beth Shalom. So sit back, relax and let music take you to a very different winter wonderland. Sun. 2-4 p.m. $8-$10. Los Angeles Yiddish Culture Club, 8339 W. Third St., Los Angeles. (310) 454-3687.

(CHANUKAH)
Well, you’ve probably heard of Lollapalooza. But have you ever heard of Hanukkahpalooza? It’s happening here in Los Angeles, featuring a puppet show, kosher lunch, boutique, Israeli dancing and a concert with Naom Katz — called one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary Jewish music. In short, the perfect weekend event for the whole family. Sun. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $10-$15. University Synagogue, 11960 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 472-1255. ” border = 0 vspace = ‘8’ hspace = ‘8’ align = ‘left’>watched in amusement. Who knows what will come off and who’ll be wearing a Star of David, as Irish Catholic Farrell did, at this next installment of “the biggest, baddest, sexiest Jewish storytelling series on the planet.” The Heeb happening, which is quite realistically expected to sell out, will be hosted by Brett Gelman and will feature seven-minute Jewish-themed stories by Rebecca Adelman, Iris Bahr, Samm Levine and others. Mon. 9:30 p.m. $10 (food and drink minimum). M Bar, 1253 Vine St., Los Angeles. (323) 856-0036. ” target=”_blank”>http://www.jmcla.org.

WED | DECEMBER 17

(INFERTILITY)
Millions of couples worldwide encounter complications related to infertility. Are you one of them? Bonei Olam is an organization that provides funds and services to couples who are having difficulty conceiving a child. According to Bonei Olam, to date more than 1,200 Jewish children have been born thanks to its help. Services the charity organization offers include: fertility medication, genetic diagnostics, high-risk pregnancy care, among others. If you’d like to learn more, attend “Miracle of Joy.” Wed. 8 p.m. Free. Home of Chavi Hertz, 525 N. Hillcrest Road, Beverly Hills. (718) 252-1212. ” target=”_blank”>http://www.coexistcomedy.com.

FRI | DECEMBER 19

(SHABBAT)
Valley Ruach — a Jewish summer camp meets a young professional Carlebach niggunim community — likens its fun, casual and brief Shabbat services to a hot air balloon ride for your soul. If you’ve never given Ruach a whirl, tonight’s Pre-Hanukkah Shabbat Celebration is as great a time as any to meet the young (20s and 30s) members of this innovative, song-filled and intimate congregation. The guitar-led service will be followed by a kosher Shabbat dinner, where you can swap tales from Camp Alonim, discuss hip Valley living and rediscover the ruach — Hebrew for both spirit and wind — in religion. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Service are free. $10 (dinner). Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village.