WEST HOLLYWOOD BOOK FAIR: Amy Ephron (“Loose Diamonds”), Hope Edelman (“The Possibility of Everything”), Jackie Collins (“Goddess of Vengeance”) and Lisa See (“Shanghai Girls”) are among the 300 authors and artists appearing at the 10th annual West Hollywood Book Fair.
Marking a new beginning for the Agoura Hills Jewish day school, tonight’s party celebrates Heschel West Day School’s re-naming for Israel’s first astronaut — Ilan Ramon Day School.
George Billis Gallery hosts a reception for the Jerusalem-based artist’s latest exhibition.
Citing an increase in delegitimization campaigns against the Jewish state, L.A. civil trial attorney Baruch C. Cohen argues that defending Israel is more important than ever.
Cantor Yonah Kliger of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills sings the national anthem as the L.A. Galaxy faces off against the Columbus Crew. Wed. 7:30 p.m. $36.
THU | JAN 6 (CURRENT EVENTS) Reza Aslan, the Iranian American author of “No god but God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam” and editor of the recently released anthology “Tablet and Pen: Literary Landscapes From the Modern Middle East,” lectures on “Iran, Israel and The U.S.: Conflict or Cooperation?” Afterward, he discusses the topic with Sinai Temple’s Rabbi David Wolpe and signs copies of his books. Thu. 7:30 p.m. Free. Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. (310) 474-1518. sinaitemple.org.
“One of the biggest challenges facing a parent and a grandparent today is the uncertainty whether our children will continue to follow in the ways of Judaism, in the Derech Hashem,” said Rabbi Alan Kalinsky, Orthodox Union’s West Coast director. The 20th annual Orthodox Union West Coast Torah Convention, “Keeping Our Values for the Next Generation,” features a variety of distinguished speakers addressing values — as they relate to daily life in schools, homes, shuls and the community — at numerous local synagogues during the four-day regional event. On Thursday, a plenary discussion at Beth Jacob Congregation focuses on “Keeping Our Kids and Grandkids on the Derech.” OU President Stephen J. Savitsky speaks Friday night as part of a panel, “Defining Our Values – The Effect of Polarization in the Jewish Community,” at Congregation Mogen David. On Sunday, a closing session at Young Israel of Century City features Savitsky with Rabbi Shaul Robinson and Journal senior writer Julie Gruenbaum Fax addressing “The Future of Orthodoxy.” Thu. Through Dec. 26. Various times and locations. (310) 229-9000, ext. 200. ouwestcoast.org.
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