Jan 19–25, 2013

By Ryan Torok
Published on January 16, 2013

Schloss, the childhood friend and stepsister of Anne Frank, appears in person to give a firsthand account of the discovery and printing of Frank’s diary as well as provide insights into Frank’s life. Much like Frank, Schloss survived the Holocaust hidden in a Dutch home before being discovered by the Nazis. A Holocaust educator based in London, Schloss is a trustee with the Anne Frank Educational Trust, U.K., and has shared her experience in the books “Eva’s Story” and “The Promise.” Tue. 6:30 p.m. Free. USC University Park Campus, Bovard Auditorium, Los Angeles. (213) 748-5884. chabadusc.com/anne.

Nov. 18-21, 2012

By Ryan Torok
Published on November 16, 2012

Moses’ fate is in your hands. The emancipator of the Israelites is being charged with first-degree murder as well as flight to avoid prosecution during American Jewish University’s 10th annual biblical mock trial. Enter the jury box as prosecutor Laurie Levenson and defense attorney Erwin Chemerinsky argue the case before Judge Burt Pines.

Nov. 10-16

By Ryan Torok
Published on November 8, 2012

A series of panels, workshops and lectures draw like-minded women to this daylong conference. Highlights: CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler delivers the keynote, “Crafting Our Jewish Feminist Narrative”; Jewish Journal Executive Editor Susan Freudenheim moderates “Jewish Women’s Voices in Activism”; Rabbis Rachel Adler (Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion), Sharon Brous (IKAR) and Lisa Edwards (Beth Chayim Chadashim) examine “The Rabbinical Perspective: Women’s Equality Within Judaism”; Jewish Journal Senior Writer Julie Gruenbaum Fax moderates “Mom Activism: Can I Really Be a Mom and an Activist?”; and Journal blogger Ilana Angel joins a panel of speakers addressing “Diversity Within Our Jewish Community: Understanding and Strengthening Each Other.”

Sept. 29 - Oct. 5

By Ryan Torok
Published on September 27, 2012

West Hollywood’s celebration of the written word features more than 220 authors and artists. Speakers include “Saturday Night Live” alum Rachel Dratch (“Girl Walks Into a Bar”) and comedy writer David Misch (“Funny: The Book”); Journal columnist Bill Boyarsky (“Inventing L.A.”); political commentators Robert Scheer (“The Great American Stickup”) and Nancy L. Cohen (“Delirium”); novelists David Brin (“Existence”), Seth Greenland (“The Angry Buddhist”), Tod Goldberg (“Living Dead Girl”), Gregg Hurwitz (“The Survivor”), Stephen Jay Schwartz (“Beat”) and Jerry Stahl (“Pain Killers”); and children’s writers Amy Goldman Koss (“Side Effects”) and Eugene Yelchin (“Breaking Stalin’s Nose”).

July 28 - August 2, 2012

By Ryan Torok
Published on July 25, 2012

Dance, discover romance, and mingle in the moonlight during Jewlicious’ cocktail garden party in celebration of Tu b’Av, the Jewish holiday of love. A live performance by gypsy trio Kimera, aphrodisiac snacks and more highlight the festivities. Thu. 9 p.m.-midnight. $10 (advance), $15 (door).

July 21-27, 2012

By Ryan Torok
Published on July 18, 2012

Mel Brooks' Tony Award-winning musical, based on his 1968 film, comes to the Hollywood Bowl.

July 14-19, 2012

By Ryan Torok
Published on July 11, 2012

Grab your clarinet, trombone, trumpet, guitar or accordion and channel the folk rhythms of Eastern Europe. Part of “J.A.M. (Jazz and Motivated) Sessions” at the Ford, today’s event features professional klezmer musicians teaching participants how to play klezmer songs on their own instruments.

June 30 - July 6

By Ryan Torok
Published on June 27, 2012

When Jewish sisters Selma and Jenny agree to discuss their Holocaust experiences with the younger generation of Osnabrück, the German city of their youth, they’re flooded by emotions and memories. Back home in Paris, the 80-something sisters open up about the anti-Semitism that colored their past as they cook in the kitchen together. Written by Helene Cixous and directed by Georges Bigot. Don’t miss tonight’s U.S. premiere. Sat. Through July 28. 7 p.m. $20 (general), $15 (students and seniors). Ivy Substation, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. (310) 838-4264. theactorsgang.com.

May 19-25

By Ryan Torok
Published on May 15, 2012

Days after the election that brings Hitler to power, a Jewish couple — an acclaimed physicist and his unfaithful wife — contemplate whether to seek an unknown future outside of Germany or stay put in Berlin. Written by playwright Iddo Netanyahu, brother of Israel’s prime minister, directed by Ami Dayan, and featuring award-winning actor Bruce Davison, this staged reading is the play’s West Coast premiere. Part of the California International Theatre Festival. The Museum of Tolerance hosts an additional performance on May 21. Sat. 8 p.m. Free (first come, first served). Founder’s Hall, 100 Civic Center Way, Calabasas. (818) 783-3576. citfestival.org.

May 5-11

By Ryan Torok
Published on May 2, 2012

Volunteers are needed to participate at community service projects, including gardening, feeding animals and painting at the Shalom Institute in Malibu; feeding the homeless at Venice Beach; a picnic for Israeli-Americans with cancer and their families at Woodley Park; a creek cleanup in Compton; and a tour at the Museum of Tolerance with members of the Substance Abuse Foundation of Long Beach.

April 21-25

By Ryan Torok
Published on April 18, 2012

Spend Earth Day connecting wilderness, spiritual practice and Judaism on a TorahTrek hike intended for fit and active adults seeking awe-inspiring wilderness adventures.

Calendar Picks and Clicks: Apr. 7-13, 2012

By Ryan Torok
Published on April 4, 2012

Actor-comedian Jeff Garlin (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), who played studio executive Mort Meyers on “Arrested Development,” welcomes series creator and executive producer Mitch Hurwitz to the “Jeff Garlin in Conversation With …” series at the Largo. With a new season of “Arrested Development” slated to air on Netflix in 2013, followed by a feature film, you can bet questions will fly about the Bluth dysfunctional family reunion.

Calendar Picks and Clicks: Mar. 24-30, 2012

By Ryan Torok
Published on March 21, 2012

What happens at TribeFest stays at TribeFest.

Mar. 9-15

By Ryan Torok
Published on March 8, 2012

“SHATNER’S WORLD: WE JUST LIVE IN IT ...”
He’s been a starship captain, a hard-boiled cop and high-powered attorney. William Shatner’s career and his willingness to poke fun at himself has culminated in this one-man show, which just wrapped on Broadway. Through anecdotes, jokes and songs, the 80-year-old renaissance man traces his career, starting with his beginnings as a classically trained Shakespearean actor. Sat. 8 p.m. $40-$105. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 468-1770. shatnersworld.com.

Feb. 18–24

By Ryan Torok
Published on February 16, 2012

Traditional Eastern European masters Michael Alpert (accordion, vocals) and Julian Kytasty (bandura) perform a special concert that blends the musical traditions of the Pale of Settlement. Part of the YidARTS 2012 season, the program features lyrical love songs, ballads of courting, and melodies of marital mayhem and tragic separation.

Calendar Picks and Clicks: February 3-February

By Ryan Torok
Published on February 9, 2012

Journal bloggers Ilana Angel (Keeping the Faith) and Elliot Steingart (Some Reservations) join singles columnist Seth Menachem (My Single Peeps) and Hollywood Jew scribe Danielle Berrin for an irreverent discussion on dating in Los Angeles, dishing on the rules, sex, faith, hope.

Feb. 1-10

Published on February 1, 2012

The 85-year-old comedy icon signs DVD copies of “The Jazz Singer,” the 1959 television remake that features Lewis as Joey Rabinowitz, a nightclub singer torn between show business and his faith. Wristbands will be distributed at 9 a.m., and Lewis will only sign copies of “The Jazz Singer.”

Jan. 26-Feb. 1

By Ryan Torok
Published on January 26, 2012

Grammy-winning band Ozomatli headlines a concert during the New Year for Trees celebration at the Shalom Institute in Malibu. Folk songwriter Billy Jonas, musician Cindy Paley and the MATI Children’s Choir also perform.

Jan.14-20

By Ryan Torok
Published on January 11, 2012

Whether starring in Broadway productions like “Hairspray” or indie fare, such as “The Kvetching Continues,” Hoffman’s wit never fails. In her new solo show, “Jackie Five-Oh,” the veteran actress grieves about aging and pokes fun at the Tony Awards, Broadway hierarchy and even Holocaust films. Sat. Through Jan 22. 8 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), 7 p.m. (Sunday). $25. The Renberg Theatre, The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles. (323) 860-7300.

Jan. 4-13

By Ryan Torok
Published on January 4, 2012

At the advice of doctors, a bullied Israeli-Arab teenager and his family move to Eilat seeking dolphin-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder. Israeli director Dani Menkin, an alumnus of The Federation’s Master Class...

Dec. 22-Jan. 4

By Ryan Torok
Published on December 22, 2011

The iconic director’s New Orleans-style jazz ensemble makes a rare appearance in Los Angeles. Allen plays clarinet in this group, which has performed in small venues — mainly in New York — for more than 35 years.

Dec. 4-Dec. 9

Published on December 14, 2011

East Side Jews, Reboot and the Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center head to Atwater Crossing for an evening of funny stories and deep music on the second night of Chanukah.

Dec. 8-Dec. 16

Published on December 7, 2011

She honed her photography skills on a kibbutz and helped define the look of Rolling Stone magazine, where she worked for 10 years as its chief photographer.

Dec. 4-Dec. 9

By Ryan Torok
Published on November 29, 2011

Hundreds of rabbis and Jewish scholars participate in discussions, panels, text study and presentations during this “Day of Jewish Learning and Culture.”

Nov. 22-Dec. 2

By Ryan Torok
Published on November 22, 2011

While procrastinating on her second screenplay, “The Future,” in 2009, July became obsessed with reading the classified ads in the PennySaver. She set out across Los Angeles to meet with PennySaver sellers, documenting the experiences in her latest book, “It Chooses You,” which blends narrative, interviews, photographs and deadpan humor.

Nov. 12-18

By Ryan Torok
Published on November 8, 2011

The Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival presents a sneak preview of Cronenberg’s “A Dangerous Method.” Drawn from true events, the film looks at the turbulent relationships between fledgling psychiatrist Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender), his mentor Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and patient Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley), the troubled but beautiful Russian-Jewish woman who comes between them. Cronenberg (“Eastern Promises,” “A History of Violence”) appears in a post-screening Q-and-A with Jewish Journal Arts & Entertainment Editor Naomi Pfefferman. Wed. 7:30 p.m. Free (reservations required). Laemmle’s Music Hall 3, 9036 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (800) 838-3006. lajfilmfest.org.

Calendar Picks and Clicks: Nov. 4-10, 2011

By Ryan Torok
Published on November 1, 2011

Marwan Muasher, the first Jordanian ambassador to Israel, delivers the keynote address, “Peace-making in the Changing Middle East,” during an event honoring Gerald Bubis, former national co-chair of Americans for Peace Now. A prelecture dinner and special presentation highlighting Bubis’ work inaugurates what is expected to become an annual event. Mon. 6 p.m. (dinner and presentation), 7:30 p.m. (lecture). Free (lecture). $75 (dinner). Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. (323) 934-3480. peacenow.org.

Oct. 19-Oct. 27

By Ryan Torok
Published on October 19, 2011

Inspired by the best-selling book “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide” by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, the Skirball’s new exhibition of photography, graphics and visual art addresses how women have persevered in the face of sex trafficking, gender-based violence and maternal mortality in the developing world.

Oct. 15–21

Published on October 11, 2011

Spend Sukkot partying it up with the Shalom Institute in Malibu, home of Camp JCA Shalom, and Craig ’n Co.

Oct. 5-Oct. 13

By Ryan Torok
Published on October 5, 2011

Pick of the week: Thursday, October 13: Israel’s Raichel, a renowned world musician, joins Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Arie to perform songs from their new album, “Open Door.” Expect soulful vocals about social unity (in Hebrew and English), and a healthy fusion of pop, folk and r&b.

Sept. 27-Oct. 6

By Ryan Torok
Published on September 27, 2011

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.

Sept. 21-Sept. 30

By Ryan Torok
Published on September 21, 2011

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.

Sept. 14-Sept. 23

By Ryan Torok
Published on September 14, 2011

The clinical psychologist and best-selling author (“The Blessing of a B Minus”) discusses “Your Teens vs. the World” with Rabbi David Wolpe. A book signing follows.

Sept. 7-Sept. 14

By Ryan Torok
Published on September 7, 2011

Event Calendar

Aug. 31-Sept. 9

By Ryan Torok
Published on August 31, 2011

“THE MAD 7” Unhappy office drone Elliot Green undergoes a transformation — into a lighter, freer, more realized version of himself — after meeting a blind man who sees, a deaf man who hears, a stutterer who’s a great orator along with four other strangers.

Aug. 23-Sep. 2

Published on August 23, 2011

American r&b and soul singer Macy Gray and Israeli singer-songwriter Harel Skaat headline tonight’s Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble benefit concert, which celebrates the connection and diversity of the world’s cultures through music and dance.

Aug. 17-Aug. 26

By Ryan Torok
Published on August 17, 2011

Community calendar

Aug. 9-Aug. 19

By Ryan Torok
Published on August 9, 2011

Community events

Aug. 3-Aug. 12

By Ryan Torok
Published on August 2, 2011

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.

Calendar Picks and Clicks: July 26–August 5

By Ryan Torok
Published on July 26, 2011

You might know him as the incorrigible Rodney Ruxin, a Jewish product-liability attorney, on “The League,” Stu from HBO’s “The Life and Times of Tim,” or El Chupacabra...

June 19-June 29

By Ryan Torok
Published on July 19, 2011

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.

July 13-22

By Ryan Torok
Published on July 13, 2011

The nonprofit holds a social event for Jewish business people and professionals to network. So, come and eat, chat and make those connections. Guest speakers will be Randy Schwartz and David Stein. Wed. 7-9 p.m. Free.

July 5-July 15

By Ryan Torok
Published on July 5, 2011

The 29th annual Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival features two Israeli entries today. Director Eytan Fox (“Yossi & Jagger”) brings us “Mary Lou,” a musical miniseries that’s been called Israel’s “Glee.” Meir is a young gay man in search of his mother, who abandoned him on his 10th birthday. As he searches for her in Tel Aviv — convinced she became a backup singer for ’70s pop star Svika Pick

Calendar Picks and Clicks: June 28-July 8, 2011

By Ryan Torok
Published on June 28, 2011

The acclaimed author of “Coraline,” “Stardust” and the comic book series “The Sandman” discusses his award-winning fantasy novel “American Gods” with comedian Patton Oswalt. Presigned copies of the newly updated 10th anniversary edition of “American Gods,” which is being adapted for an HBO series, must be ordered in advance. Tue. 8 p.m. $15 (general), $35 (includes copy of book). Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (213) 623-1773. sabantheatre.org.

June 22-June 30

By Ryan Torok
Published on June 21, 2011

The Israeli-born French chanteuse adds a freewheeling style to her ethereal pop sound as she performs songs from her new solo album, “101.” Brooklyn-based folk artist Chris Garneau opens. Sat. 8 p.m. $20. Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles. (323) 343-6600. luckmanarts.org.

June 14-June 23

By Ryan Torok
Published on June 14, 2011

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).

June 7-June 17

By Ryan Torok
Published on June 7, 2011

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.

June 1-June 10

By Ryan Torok
Published on May 31, 2011

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” inspires director Nina Menkes’ 2010 Israeli art film, which follows a morose young Israeli Jew (Didi Fire) who murders a female pawnbroker. Shot in Yaffo, a predominantly Arab part of Tel Aviv, the film won the Anat Pirchi Award for Best Drama at the 2010 Jerusalem International Film Festival.

May 17-27, 2011

By Ryan Torok
Published on May 17, 2011

Party in Pico-Robertson with Chaim Fogelman, the Cheder Boys Choir, the Platt Brothers and TNT Dunk Squad, followed by a parade with marching bands and floats. Then stay for the fair, including rides, games booths, petting zoo and kosher food stands. Sun. 10:30 a.m. (concert), 11:30 a.m. (parade), 12:45-4 p.m. (fair). Free.

May 11-18, 2011

By Ryan Torok
Published on May 10, 2011

Mightnight is Paris. Owen Wilson stars opposite Marion Cotillard and France’s first lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, in Woody Allen’s latest romantic comedy, which opened the 64th Cannes Film Festival on May 11. When a young engaged couple (Wilson and Rachel McAdams) travel with family on a business trip to the City of Light, they are forced to confront the illusion that a life different from their own would be better. Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody, Gad Elmaleh and Léa Seydoux also star. Fri. Various theaters. sonyclassics.com/midnightinparis.

May 3-13, 2011

By Ryan Torok
Published on May 3, 2011

Follow Chicago Tribune jazz critic Howard Reich as he sets out across the United States and Eastern Europe to uncover why his Holocaust survivor mother believes the world is conspiring to kill her. The documentary explores a little-known disorder: late-onset post-traumatic stress disorder. A Q-and-A with Reich and producer Joanna Rudnick follows. Tue. 7:30 p.m. Free (RSVP required). Museum of Tolerance, 9786 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 772-2498.

Apr 30–May 6

By Ryan Torok
Published on April 26, 2011

Calendar

Apr 22-Apr 29, 2011

By Ryan Torok
Published on April 20, 2011

PASSOVER, BUT FUNNY: COMEDY FROM UCB JEWS. Rabbi Oved Kaufman (aka Jake Regal) hosts a special Pesach show featuring some of Upright Citizens Brigade’s best Jewish performers, including Matt Besser, one of UCB’s founding members, Todd Levin, a former writer on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien,” Dannah Phirman and Danielle Schneider, Tremendosaur, Becky Feldman and others. Fri. 8 p.m. $10.

Apr. 13-Apr. 22

By Ryan Torok
Published on April 12, 2011

Comedian Mark Schiff and author and family therapist Mark Brenner host an evening of laughter and learning. Schiff, who toured with Jerry Seinfeld, opens with his razor-sharp wit. Brenner, known as The Family Whisperer, discusses his four-step blueprint for good parenting. A Q-and-A follows the show, providing select members of the audience with an opportunity to come on stage and talk with Brenner about their issues.

Apr. 7-Apr. 15

By Ryan Torok
Published on April 5, 2011

Pamela and Randol Schoenberg host a free community concert featuring liturgical compositions for organ and chorus by composers Arnold Schoenberg and Eric Zeisl. Timed to the bat mitzvah of Dora Schoenberg, Arnold Schoenberg’s great-granddaughter, the musical tribute also includes the premiere of Samuel Adler’s “From Generation to Generation.”

Mar. 30-Apr. 8

By Ryan Torok
Published on March 30, 2011

If you’re looking for work, needing financial assistance or just hoping to network, don’t miss out on this day of workshops on topics like job searches and debtor’s rights; face-to-face meetings with staff from social service and governmental agencies; and information and referrals to local resources.

March 15–25

By Ryan Torok
Published on March 15, 2011

The passionate Israeli singer reinvigorates the Judeo-Spanish style, combining Ladino with Andalusia and mixing in flamenco and the sounds of the Middle East. Born in Jerusalem to the leading academic on Judeo-Spanish culture, Levy brings her 500-year-old musical journey to Los Angeles as part of her month-long U.S. tour. The Journal and the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles co-sponsor. Sat. 8 p.m. $25-$45. Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles. (323) 343-6600. luckmanarts.org

March 8-March 18, 2011

By Ryan Torok
Published on March 8, 2011

The sculptor and Nazarian family matriarch presents a 25-year survey of her work, in “Strength Revealed.” The exhibition, curated by Barbara Gilbert, curator emerita of the Skirball Cultural Center, explores Nazarian’s artistic progression from mastering the human form to exploring abstraction and non-objectivity.

March 1–11

By Ryan Torok
Published on March 1, 2011

Bring your voice and a portable instrument (guitar, keyboard, drums) to bond with others through music — folk songs, Israeli melodies, Yiddish tunes and camp favorites — at this first-ever event organized by the Kol HaEmek Jewish Community Chorale and the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valley. The evening begins with Havdalah and ends with a dessert buffet. Sat. 7-9 p.m. $5 (individuals), $10 (families). Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, 550 S. Second Ave., Arcadia. (626) 445-0810. jewishsgpv.org.

Feb. 22–March 4, 2011

By Ryan Torok
Published on February 22, 2011

The composer of “A Chorus Line” and the songs “The Way We Were” and “Nobody Does It Better” has won every major entertainment award — Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony — as well as a Pulitzer Prize and two Golden Globes. The pops conductor shares the bill with actress-singer Betty Buckley, who won a Tony for her role in “Cats” on Broadway. Sat. 8 p.m. $34.75-$82.75. Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. (818) 677-8800.