Calendar Picks and Clicks: June 7-June 17, 2011

TUES | JUNE 7

SHAVUOT
Synagogues across the city hold marathon learning sessions to celebrate the holiday:

TEMPLE BETH AM’S COMMUNITY TIKKUN LEYL SHAVUOT
Jewish texts further the understanding of difficult social issues and current events, including the Arab spring, WikiLeaks, protests at soldiers’ funerals and more. Sponsored by Temple Beth Am, Temple Emanuel, Adat Shalom, Pico Egal, Ma’or and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Tue. 7:15 p.m. (Ma’ariv), 7:45-8:45 p.m. (dinner; RSVP required), 8:45 p.m.-4:45 a.m. (study sessions), 4:45 a.m.-dawn (early Shaharit). Free (study sessions), $18 (dairy dinner). Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 652-7353. tbala.org.

ATID’S “REVELATION ON THE ROOF”
Organized by Sinai Temple’s young professionals group, Torah-tini cocktails and an ice cream sundae bar highlight this learning event, which examines the different ways to connect to Torah — through body, mind and soul. Tue. 7 p.m. $10 (general), free (ATID members). Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 474-1518. sinaitemple.org.

ADAT ARI EL’S “YOUR PEOPLE SHALL BE MY PEOPLE”
Tonight’s discussions offer different perspectives on conversion, including “From Stranger to Convert” and “The Personal Journeys of Three Jews by Choice.” Enjoy California Kosher cheesecakes, prepared by the synagogue’s Sisterhood committee. Tue. 8:30-8:45 p.m. (Ma’ariv), 8:45 p.m.-midnight (study sessions). Free. Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. (818) 766-9426. adatariel.org.

SAT | JUNE 11

EDWARD ZWICK
The director of “Defiance” and “Love and Other Drugs” takes part in a discussion following a screening of his sweeping Civil War drama “Glory” (1989), starring Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington and Matthew Broderick. 7:30 p.m. $11 (general), $9 (students and seniors 65 and over), $7 (American Cinematheque members). Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 260-1528. americancinematheque.com.

SUN | JUNE 12

KINDRED SPIRITS
The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony, under the direction of Noreen Green, performs with the Faithful Central Bible Church’s 60-voice gospel choir during this benefit concert, which also features Broadway performer Roslyn Kind, jazz pianist David Benoit, Cantor Ilan Davidson and Scottish musician Eric Rigler. The event raises funds for Medical Corps, a nonprofit that provides health care training and development in underserved communities, and guitar legend Carlos Santana will be honored with the 2011 KindredSPIRITS Humanitarian Award for his work with the Milagro Foundation. Sun. 7 p.m. $36-$180. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 319-4849. kindredspiritslive.org.

HOW TO SPEAK WITH PROGRESSIVES ABOUT ISRAEL
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joins former state Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg, Democrats for Israel board member Andrew Lachman and other panelists in a forum on educating liberals about Israel’s pluralistic democracy. Journal Editor-in-Chief Rob Eshman moderates this Democrats for Israel-sponsored discussion. Sun. 1:30-3 p.m. Pico Playhouse, 10508 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. dfi-la.org.

STAND UP FOR MAIN STREET
An all-star cast of stand-up comedians, including Jeff Garlin (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Andy Kindler, Paula Poundstone (NPR’s “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!”) and satirical songwriter Roy Zimmerman, perform during tonight’s benefit for Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer rights group. Sun. 6:30 p.m. $50 (mezzanine), $100 (orchestra). Brentwood Theatre, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (202) 588-7759. citizen.org.

“THE CASE AGAINST HAPPINESS”
Presenting his arguments in the courtroom of life, attorney Howard Smith is out to prove that happiness is overrated. His evidence? True stories about New York, being Jewish, his family and the power of cream of broccoli soup. Written and performed by Smith, this one-day-only, one-man comedy benefits Santa Monica Playhouse’s Save the Playhouse Campaign. Sun. 7 p.m. $18. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St., Santa Monica. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com.

TUE | JUNE 14

JEWNFEST
Organized by the folks who bring you the Jewlicious Festival, this inaugural, two-day concert series features sounds of the rising indie folk-rock revival Tuesday night. Wednesday: high-energy local bands. Artists include soulful singer Hyim, indie songstress Yael Meyer and pop-rockers The Wellspring, fronted by Blue Fringe’s Dov Rosenblatt. Tue. Through June 15. 7 p.m. (doors), 8-11 p.m. (concerts). $10 (per night), $15 (both nights). The Mint, 6010 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. jewlicious.com.

“LES MISÉRABLES”
Boubil and Schönberg’s legendary musical starts a six-week 25th anniversary run at the Ahmanson Theatre, featuring new staging and reimagined scenery, inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. Co-directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell. Tue. Through July 31. 8 p.m. $42-$175. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org.

WED | JUNE 15

PAUL REISER
The actor and New York Times best-selling author signs copies of “Familyhood,” a warm, witty look at parenting, marriage and midlife. Wristbands will be distributed at 9 a.m. on the day of the event. Wed. 7 p.m. Free. Barnes and Noble, The Grove at Farmers Market, 189 Grove Drive, Los Angeles. (323) 525-0270. barnesandnoblecom.

THU | JUNE 16

ALINA SIMONE
The Ukrainian-born musician and writer performs songs from her newly released album, “Make Your Own Danger,” and discusses her new book, “You Must Go and Win,” which humorously traces her journey as a struggling musician, with KCRW music librarian Eric Lawrence as part of ALOUD at Central Library. Young Literati hosts a public reception following the event. Thu. 7 p.m. Free (reservations suggested). Los Angeles Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles. (213) 228-7025. lfla.org.

FRI | JUNE 17

SHABBAT ON THE BEACH
Will the dolphins turn up for Shabbat? You won’t know unless you go. Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue kicks off its summertime Shabbat services at Westward Beach. 7 p.m. Free. Westward Beach, across from Sunset Restaurant, 6800 Westward Beach Road, Malibu. (310) 456-2178. mjcs.org.