A circle discussion for parents led by Rabbi Gershon Weissman on ways to help children survive and thrive during the winter season. All are welcome. 8 p.m. Temple Beth Haverim, 29900 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills. (818) 991-7111. templebethhaverim.org.

Skate among the shops outdoors at the Lakes. Through Jan. 18. $9 (per person). Check Web site for hours. The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. (805) 494-0514. thousandoaksicerink.com.

Enjoy this inaugural winter wonderland, featuring more than 6,000 square feet of real ice. This outdoor ice rink offers daily recreational ice-skating, skating exhibitions and shows, birthday parties, holiday activities, skating lessons and more throughout the winter. Westfield Promenade. Prices include skate rental. $11 (children), $13 (seniors and students), $15 (adults). Open through February 21 (including holidays). For hours, visit woodlandhillsice.com.

Explore the works of Orly Benyair, Ilana Bloch, Yona Brand, Moshe Elimelech, Yossi Govrin, Orna Livni and Malka Nedivi. Runs through Jan. 18. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. The Finegood Art Gallery, second floor, Bernard Milken Jewish Community Campus, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills. (818) 464-3219. jewishla.org/finegood_art_gallery.cfm.

Based on the Adam Sandler-Drew Barrymore film, this heartwarming musical comedy follows wannabe rocker Robbie, a hopeless romantic, who meets a waitress named Julia and faces the highs and lows of being in love in the 1980s. The show features a Boy George-style version of the “Shehecheyanu” and the bar mitzvah-inspired “Today You Are a Man.” Runs through December 6. 8 p.m. $41-$52. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks. (805) 449-2787. toaks.org.

This workshop peels back the seasonal overlay to reveal the true Jewish meaning of the holiday. Explore the story and its historical context to discover the significance of the celebration and what it means today. 10 a.m. $15. Congregation Or Ami, 26115 Mureau Rd. No. B, Calabasas. Must register in advance. (818) 880-4880. For more information, visit judaicworkshops.com.

Enjoy a computer-choreographed music and light show with more than 27,000 lights. 6-10 p.m. (plays every 15 minutes). Through New Year’s Eve. Historic Pagoda, Plaza Park, Fifth and B streets, downtown Oxnard. Free. (805) 385-2705. downtownoxnard.org.

Estranged brothers meet to sell their late father’s possessions to a comically wise and wary antique dealer in this Tony Award-winning play directed by Alexandra More. Stars Edward Asner, Alan Rachins, Alan Feinstein and Lisa Pescia. 7:30 p.m. $12-$16. Celebrity Staged Play Readings. The JCC at Milken, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills. (818) 464-3300. jccatmilken.org.

The self-guided tour, now in its 18th year, is the Valley Wellness Community’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds helping to fund the organization’s free programs of support, education and hope for people fighting cancer and their families. Throughout Westlake Village. $30 (in advance), $35 (at the door). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Also, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. To purchase tickets, call (805) 379-4777 or visit twcvv.org.

Step back in time with this progressive dining experience that takes you inside several of Oxnard’s historic houses. Journey back to the turn of the century and enjoy samples of Victorian-inspired fare and libations from La Dolce Vita and Rancho Ventavo Wine Cellars. 5-8 p.m. $49 (per person), $80 (per couple). Seventh and A streets, Oxnard. (805) 483-7960. heritagesquareoxnard.com.

“One-Step Web Pages: Hodge Podge of Lesser-Known Gems” and Annual Chanukah Party

This presentation is a sequel to the “Potpourri of Genealogical Search Tools” lecture Steve Morse, creator of the One-Step Web site, gave to JGSCV last December. Learn how to handle problems with genealogical searches, including identity theft and DNA. Light refreshments will be served celebrating Chanukah. Free. 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Conejo Valley and Ventura County. Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. (818) 889-6616. jgscv.org.

Prospective students and families are invited to experience the NCJHS community and get acquainted with faculty representing all academic departments; a presentation by Bruce Powell, head of school; personal perspectives from students; separate student and parent question-and-answer sessions and panels; and information tables. Refreshments will be served. 2:30 p.m. 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. RSVP to (818) 348-0048. ncjhs.org

The author of mysteries such as “The Last Embrace,” “Jasmine Trade” and other Eve Diamond books talks about her work. 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Brandeis National Committee, Conejo Valley Chapter. Oak Park Community Center, 1000 Kanan Road, Oak Park. $10. (805) 496-1463.

Jewish Lifein Latin America

Sunday, December 6

Fiesta Hanukkah

Celebrate Chanukah with a Latin flair! This year, as part of the Skirball’s ongoing initiative to commemorate Jewish life in Latin America, the annual Chanukah family festival invites families of all backgrounds to enjoy Latin Jewish music, art making and storytelling, as well as tasty variations on holiday food favorites. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. $10 (general), $7 (seniors and students), free (members and children younger than 12). (877) 722-4849. skirball.org

Wednesday, December 16

“La Cámara Oscura”

Watch the West Coast premiere of this haunting depiction of Jewish immigrants who came to Argentina during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the film, young Gertrudis (Mirta Bogdasarian) is rejected by her mother for representing what is ugly in the new land, and she retreats into a rich fantasy life, until she meets an itinerant photographer. Directed by María Victoria Menis, based upon a short story by Argentine writer Angélica Gorodischer. (In Spanish and Yiddish with English subtitles). 7:30 p.m. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. $6 (general), $5 (members and students). (877) 722-4849. skirball.org

The Skirball offers programs all month in honor of the Jewish-Latino experience. For information on other events, visit skirball.org

“From Oslo to Jerusalem to Tehran: What the Iranian Nuclear Threat Means to Israel’s Future”

Discussion with Rabbi Daniel Gordis, senior vice president of the Shalem Center in Jerusalem, and Rabbi Edward Feinstein, senior rabbi of Valley Beth Shalom. Co-sponsored by Valley Beth Shalom and AIPAC. 7 p.m. (registration), 7:30 p.m. (program). Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. RSVP to (323) 937-1184.

Includes plenty of latkes, vodka and more. For those 21 and older. 9 p.m. Sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara’s Young Adult Division. Private home in Santa Barbara. For more information, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Families with pre-kindergarten through first grade children are invited to an open house with Chanukah activities, crafts and a Chanukah play by Heschel West students. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. 27400 Canwood St., Agoura. RSVP to (818) 707-2365 heschelwest.com

Enjoy the 33rd-annual Boat Parade of Lights and Fireworks, plus a carnival, shopping, food and snow fall. 7 p.m. Also, Friday, December 18. Ventura Harbor, 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, (805) 642-8538. venturaharbor.com

Menorah Lightings

Sunday, December 13

Community Grand Menorah Lighting

Lighting, latkes and music. 2-4:30 p.m. Ventura Pier, Harbor Boulevard, between California and San Pedro streets. Sponsored by Chabads of Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo and the Jewish Federation of Ventura County. (805) 647-7800.

Sunday, December 13

Lighting at The Oaks

6:30 p.m. The Oaks Mall, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. (805) 497-0839. shoptheoaksmall.com.

Monday, December 14

Sherman Oaks Menorah Lighting

6 p.m. Sherman Oaks Galleria, 15303 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818) 382-4100 shermanoaksgalleria.com.

Tuesday, December 15

The Lakes Lighting

6:30 p.m. The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. (805) 497.9861. shoplakes.com.

Tuesday, December 15

Simi Valley Lighting

Congregation B’nai Emet’s choir and preschool will perform, and latkes will be served. 7p.m. Regal Center, 2751 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley. (805) 581-3723. congregationbnaiemet.org

Wednesday, December 16

Calabasas Lighting

Lighting, music and fireworks. 6:30 p.m. Calabasas Commons, 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas (818) 222-3444. shopcommons.com.

Based on the beloved film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, the holiday musical features elaborate dance, opulent costumes and amazing songs from Berlin’s songbook, including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano” and the award-winning title tune. Runs through December 29. 8 p.m. $41-$52. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks. (805) 449-2787. toaks.org.

The award-winning rock musical, loosely based on “La Boheme,” is about a group of friends struggling to survive in Manhattan’s Lower East Side and reach the world through their art. 8 p.m. Runs through February 14. $20 (adults), $16 (seniors and students, recommended for those 14 and older). 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. (805) 583-7900. simi-arts.org.

JGSCV Board Members Debra Kay Blatt and Jan Meisels Allen offer tips and insight for those interested in genealogy who aren’t sure where to start. Free. 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Conejo Valley and Ventura County. Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. (818) 889-6616. jgscv.org.

Bring your 2009 Mah Jongg card with your name on it. $30 (includes breakfast, lunch, two sessions and awards). 8:30 a.m. Sponsored by Adat Elohim Sisterhood. Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. RSVP required. (805) 370-1039. adatelohim.com.

A gifted young artist is torn between his Chasidic parents and his passion to create in this L.A. premiere of the Aaron Posner adaptation of Chaim Potok’s novel. Directed by Alexandra More. Stars Assaf Cohen, Stephen Machy and Amy Tolsky. 7:30 p.m. $12-$16. Celebrity Staged Play Readings. The JCC at Milken, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills. (818) 464-3300. jccatmilken.org.

Prospective students and families are invited to experience the NCJHS community and get acquainted with faculty representing all academic departments, including Athletics and Experiential Education; a presentation by Bruce Powell, head of school; personal perspectives from students; separate student and parent question-and-answer sessions and panels; and information tables. Refreshments will be served. 10:30 a.m. 7353 Valley Circle Boulevard, West Hills. RSVP to (818) 348-0048.

Event honoring outstanding community members and distinguished alumni. Proceeds support innovative student programs at Pierce & Valley Colleges Hillel and CSUN Hillel. 6 p.m. Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. Call for tickets, (818) 887-5901. hillel818.org

The City of Calabasas fills Gates Canyon Park with snow. Bring your own sled. $7 (sled passes, children 12 and younger), free (children younger than 2). 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Gates Canyon Park, 25801 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Calabasas. (818) 880-6461.

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Jewish Lifein Latin America

Menorah Lightings