Calendar

FRIDAY, Dec. 4

Job-Search Workshop
JEVS Career Strategies will host a free job-search workshop Friday mornings at 10 a.m., at 1845 Walnut Street, 7th floor, Philadelphia. Call 215-854-1874.

Exhibit Opening
The Olitsky Gallery of Congregation Beth Or will feature a new exhibit focusing on the textile creations of artist Carol Moyer Shearon, at 239 Welsh Rd., Maple Glen. Meet the artist at 9:30 p.m., following Shabbat services. Refreshments will be served. Call 215-885-3437.

CLE Programs
Gratz College will host a CLE program for attorneys focusing on "The Dilemma of the Abolitionist Judge" at 9:30 a.m., at 7605 Old York Rd., Melrose Park. The course is worth two substantive credits. To register, call 215-635-7000, Ext. 154.

Attorney Robert S. Balter will lead a CLE course focusing on "Ethical Challenges in Estate Planning" at 11:45 a.m., at Gratz College, 7605 Old York Rd., Melrose Park. Lunch is included. To register, call 215-635-7300, Ext. 154.

"Pursuing Nazi War Criminals and Other Human-Rights Violators" will be the topic of a 1 p.m. CLE course led by Eli M. Rosenbaum, director of special investigations at the criminal division of the U.S. Department of Justice, at Gratz College, 7605 Old York Rd., Melrose Park. Register by calling 215-635-7300, Ext. 154.

Shabbat Services
Temple Emanuel will host a Tot Shabbat for children 5 and under, at 7 p.m., at 1101 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, N.J. A family service and alternative service are set to begin at 7:30 p.m. Call 856-489-0029.

Birthday Blessings
Old York Road Temple-Beth Am will honor December birthdays at a 6 p.m. service at 971 Old York Rd., Abington. Fourth-grade students will lead a family service at 8 p.m. Call 215-886-8000.

One Book ...
The Sisterhood of Adath Israel will welcome Linda Robinson for a book discussion on Dara Horn's All Other Nights following 7 p.m. Shabbat services at 250 N. Highland Ave., Merion Station. Call 610-667-1845.

Synaplex Shabbat
Congregation Rodeph Shalom will host a Synaplex Shabbat opening with a 5:30 p.m. pre-Oneg reception at 615 N. Broad St., Philadelphia. A choice of services -- "A Nostalgia Service With the Union Prayerbook" or "A Musical Shabbat" -- will be offered at 6 p.m. Philadelphia Inquirer film critic Carrie Rickey will speak on "The Parallels Between the Movie 'A Serious Man' and the Book of Job," at 7 pm. RSVP for the dinner at 215-627-6747, Ext. 46.

Musical Family Service
Congregation Beth Am Israel invites the community to "Lecha Dodi, Come Sing With Me," a musical family service, at 5:30 p.m., at 1301 Hagys Ford Rd., Penn Valley. RSVP to 610-667-1651.

Sabbath of Blessings
Melrose B'nai Israel Emanu-El will honor congregants celebrating December birthdays and anniversaries at 8 p.m. Shabbat services at 133 W. Cheltenham Ave., Cheltenham. Call 215-635-1505.

'Let There Be Light'
The Old City Jewish Art Center, a project of Jewish Heritage Programs, will open its "Let There Be Light" exhibit at 119 N. Third St., Philadelphia. Opening at 5 p.m., it will feature members of the Cheltenham Printmakers. A reception for the artists is set for Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. The exhibit runs through Dec. 24. Call 215-923-1222.

SATURDAY, DEC. 5

Shabbat Retreat
Rabbi Yael Levy will lead a Shabbat retreat at Congregation Mishkan Shalom synagogue, 4101 Freeland Ave., Philadelphia. Opening with a contemplative service at 10 a.m., the program will be devoted to the practice of mindfulness meditation -- the simple and complex practice of paying attention. Bring a vegetarian lunch; drinks and snacks will be provided. Call 215-508-0226.

Havdalah Celebration
The Sisterhood of Temple Beth Hillel/Beth El will celebrate Havdalah at a family service for families with preschool and elementary school-aged children at 5 p.m., at 1001 Remington Rd., Wynnewood. Light refreshments will be served. Call 610-649-5300.

Popcorn & a Movie
Temple Judea of Bucks County will host a free movie night, complete with popcorn, at 7 p.m., at 300 Swamp Rd., Doylestown. On the docket is "The Aryan Couple," a suspense film focusing on a wealthy German Jewish couple who agree to give up their assets to the Nazis in exchange for safe passage to Palestine. Call 215-348-5022.

Pajama Tot Havdalah
Parents and kids (preschool through first grade) are invited to come in their PJs and celebrate Havdalah at 6 p.m., at Old York Road Temple-Beth Am, 971 Old York Rd., Abington. Call 215-886-0650.

The Songs of Ethel Merman
The Gershman Y will kick off its Cabaret series with "Everything the Traffic Will Allow: The Songs and Sass of Ethel Merman," featuring Klea Blackhurst, at 8 p.m., at the Arts Bank, 601 Broad St., Philadelphia. For tickets, call 215-545-4400.

Lunch & Learn
Rabbi Howard Addison of Melrose B'nai Israel Emanu-El will lead a series of lunch-and-learn sessions through Saturday, Dec. 26, following services at 133 W. Cheltenham Ave., Cheltenham. Call 215-635-1505.

Bingo Night
Aish Philadelphia will host an evening of bingo, from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., at 50 E. Montgomery Ave., Bala Cynwyd. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. Call 610-668-9600.

Synaplex Shabbat
Beth Sholom Congregation will host a 9 a.m. Synaplex Shabbat, featuring the program "Soldiers and Spies," led by speaker Herb Kaufman, at 8231 Old York Rd., Elkins Park. Following services, Beverly Rosen will lead a discussion on Dara Horn's All Other Nights. Call 215-887-1342.

SUNDAY, DEC.

Sundays at Etz Chaim
The Etz Chaim Center for Jewish Studies will offer three classes on Sundays at 1420 Walnut St., Philadelphia. "Jewish Prayer," led by Rabbi Dovid Wachs, will open the morning at 10:30 a.m., followed by "Torah Inside: One Word at a Time," also led by Rabbi Wachs, at 11:15 p.m. "Guys Night at Etz," scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., will be led by Rabbi Meir Reiner. To register, call 215-546-8672.

Gallery Exhibit
Russian artist Vitaly Komar will open an exhibit showcasing his work from his series bringing together trinities of religion, politics and autobiography at the Borowsky Gallery at the Gershman Y, Broad and Pine Sts., Philadelphia. The show runs through Friday, Jan. 15. An opening reception is set for 6 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 10. Call 215-545-4400.

'Lost Futures'
The Open Lens Gallery at the Gershman Y will open the photographic exhibit "Lost Futures: Journeys Into The Jewish Diaspora" by Chrystie Sherman at Broad and Pine Sts., Philadelphia. The show runs through Friday, Jan. 15. An opening reception is set for Thursday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. Call 215-545-4400.

Stories & More
Rabbi Joshua Waxman of Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation will read The Chanukah Guest and other stories to pre-kindergarteners during an afternoon storytime session at 2 p.m., at Barnes & Noble, 875 Old York Rd., Jenkintown. Snacks and activities will follow the stories. For more info, call 215-283-0276 or e-mail: school@orhadash.com.

Day Camp Open House
Learn more about the Camp Ramah Day Camp at an open house scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Mandell Campus, 7601 Old York Rd., Elkins Park. Scholarship funds are available. Call 215-885-8556.

Service of the Heart
Join Germantown Jewish Centre for a wordless service of niggunim (traditional tunes without words) and silence at 10 a.m., at 400 W. Ellet St., Philadelphia. Call 215-844-1507, Ext. 19.

Chanukah Sales Day
Need candles, a menorah, dreidels or other Chanukah decorations? The Sisterhood of Temple Brith Achim will host a holiday shopping day, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the TBA Gift Shop at 481 S. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia. Call 610-337-2222.

Dinner & Football
Join Congregation Tiferes B'nai Israel for an Eagles game and a spaghetti dinner from noon to 4 p.m., at 2478 Street Rd., Warrington. RSVP at 215-343-0155 or e-mail: info@tbiwarrington.org.

Family Day
Bring the family to the Rosenbach Museum and Library for an afternoon of Jewish family education, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 2008 Delancey St., Philadelphia. The free program is jointly sponsored by Kehillah of Center City and the Rosenbach Museum, in conjunction with the "One Book, One Jewish Community" celebration. Call 215-832-0597 or e-mail: stanek@ jfgp.org.

'The Stressless Shrink'
Join the Women's Club and HAZAK of Germantown Jewish Centre in welcoming Dr. Joel Schwartz, "The Stressless Shrink," for a 10 a.m. breakfast program at 400 W. Ellet St., Philadelphia. RSVP to 215-844-1507, Ext 19.

Chanukah Carnival
Beth Tikvah B'nai Jeshurun will host a Chanukah carnival from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 1001 Paper Mill Rd., Erdenheim. There will be games, prizes and food. Proceeds will benefit the preschool and religious school's parent organizations. Call 215-836-5677.

Chanukah Bazaar
The Sisterhood of Shir Ami-Bucks County Jewish Congregation will host its annual Chanukah bazaar, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 101 Richboro Rd., Newtown. A raffle is also slated. Call 215-968-3400.

Chanukah Celebration
Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel will host a noontime Chanukah celebration at 8339 Old York Rd., Elkins Park. Guests are invited to enjoy pizza and stories with the K.I. Puppets, followed by a Shir Joy concert. For tickets, call 215- 887-8700.

'Freedom as a Miracle'
Rabbi Howard Bogot, visiting scholar at Temple Judea of Bucks County, will lead a 9:30 a.m. workshop on "Passover: Freedom as a Miracle" at Saxby's Coffee in Doylestown. Call 215-348-5022.

Temple Tots Celebration
Celebrate the Jewish holidays with local toddlers and their parents at Temple Brith Achim, 481 S. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia. The 11 a.m. session is designed for newborns to age 3. Call 610-337-2820.

The Hebrew Bible
Tamar Komionkowski, chair of the department of biblical civilization and academic dean at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, will deliver an 11:30 a.m. lecture on the methodology and results of modern, critical Bible study at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation, 190 Camp Hill Rd., Fort Washington. Refreshments will be served. Call 215-283-0276.

Nosh & Drash
Enjoy noshing on bagels while participating in a discussion with the Brotherhood of Old York Road Temple-Beth Am at 9:30 a.m., at 971 Old York Rd., Abington. Call 215-886-8000.

Craft & Gift Show
The Sisterhood of Temple Beth Hillel/Beth El will host more than 55 crafters and exhibitors at its annual craft and gift show, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 1001 Remington Rd., Wynne-wood. The sale will also be held on Monday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 610-649-5300.

Recovery of Lost Art
Congregation Beth Am Israel will welcome its Barol Scholar-in-Residence Anna Rubin for a 10 a.m. talk on the recovery of art looted during the Holocaust at 1301 Hagys Ford Rd., Penn Valley. Rubin is director of the Holocaust Claims Processing Office in the New York State Banking Department. Call 610-667-7860.

Open House
Meet the rabbis, school and youth director, and other congregants of Congregation Mishkan Shalom, at an open house, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at 4101 Freeland Ave., Philadelphia. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to 215-508-0226, Ext. 4.

Chanukah Celebration
The Jewish Family and Children's Service Network program for adults with developmental disabilities will host a Chanukah luncheon at the Tashkent Restaurant, 842 Red Lion Rd., Philadelphia. Register by calling 267-256-2257.

Chanukah Bazaar
Temple Beth Ami will hold its annual Chanukah bazaar at 11 a.m., at 9201 Old Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia. Call 215-673-2511.

High School Open House
The Jewish Community High School of Gratz College will host a 9:45 a.m. open house on the Mandell Campus at 7605 Old York Rd., Melrose Park. Students can still enroll for the 2009-10 academic year. Call 215-635-7300, Ext. 5, or visit: www.gratz.edu/jchs.

Sisterhood Gift Shop
Stop by the Sisterhood gift shop for Chanukah for a selection of crafts, menorahs, candles, jewelry and more at Main Line Reform Temple, Beth Elohim, 410 Montgomery Ave., Wynnewood. The sale will run through Friday, Dec. 11. For store hours, call 610-649-7800.

'Always On'
Naomi Baron, professor of linguistics at American University and author of Always On, will explore if these devices have changed us for the better or the worse at 11 a.m., at the Gershman Y, Broad and Pine Sts., Philadelphia. For tickets, call 215-545-4400.

Chanukah Fair & Gift Show
Congregation Mishkan Shalom will host its seventh annual Chanukah fair and gift show, from 9:30 a.m to 1 p.m., at 4101 Freeland Ave., Philadelphia. Call 215-508-0226.

Book Fair
Congregation Beth Or will host a book fair, featuring both children's and adult books, in time for Chanukah today through Tuesday, at 239 Welsh Rd., Maple Glen. For hours, call 215-646-5806.

Speaking Yiddishly
The Yiddish Speaking Group will host a 10 a.m. meeting at Gratz College, 7605 Old York Rd., Melrose Park. Call 215-887-5283.

Biennial Convention
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism will host its international biennial convention today through Dec. 10, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2349 West Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, N.J. In the face of the challenges facing the Conservative movement, the convention will address how best to create and sustain community. To register, visit: www.uscj.org.

Spiritual Strength
Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell and Donald Friedman, M.D., will lead a discussion on "Spiritual Strength: How Judaism Teaches Us to Confront Illness" at Beth David Reform Congregation, 1130 Vaughans Lane, Gladwyne. A light brunch will be served at 9:30 a.m., followed by presentations and a question-and-answer session. Call 610-896-7485

MONDAY, DEC. 7

Journeys Through Torah
The Etz Chaim Center for Jewish Studies will present Rabbi Moshe Ungar in a weekly discussion of the Torah portion at 8:15 p.m., at 101 Montgomery Ave., #B5, Bala Cynwyd. Call 215-546-8672.

Career Advice
JEVS Career Strategies will answer questions about searching for a job at 1 p.m., at 1845 Walnut St., 7th floor, Philadelphia. Call 215-854-1874.

Chanukah Story Time
Temple Judea of Bucks County will present a "Chanukah Pajama Story Time" at 6:30 p.m., at Barnes & Noble, 1271 Knapp Rd., Montgomeryville. Call 215-348-5022.

Infant Adoption
The OpenArms Network will sponsor an information meeting on domestic infant open adoption at 6:30 p.m., at 2100 Arch St., Philadelphia. Register by calling 267-256-2053.

The Olive Press
In preparation for Chanukah, Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Center will offer children of all ages the opportunity to make olive oil for the menorah, just as they did in the Holy Temple. The workshop opens at 6 p.m., at 1657 The Fairway, Suite 173, Rydal. RSVP to 215-572-1511 or e-mail: Dini@JewishAbington.com.

TUESDAY, DEC. 8

Journeys Through Torah
The Etz Chaim Center for Jewish Studies will present Rabbi Moshe Ungar in a weekly discussion of the Torah portion at 8 p.m. at 7908 High School Rd., Elkins Park. Call 215-782-8788.

Lunch & Learn
Rabbi Morton Levine will lead a noontime Torah study session at the offices of Cozen O'Conner, 1900 Market St., Philadelphia. A second session, led by Rabbi Charles Kraus, will be held at the offices of Camp Ramah in The Pavilion, 261 Old York Rd., Suite 734, Jenkintown. Call 610-239-6003.

Breast-Cancer Services
Clinical supervisor Shera Dubirsky will introduce the programs and services offered by Sharsheret, a not-for-profit organization supporting young Jewish women facing breast cancer, at 3 p.m., at the Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia, 2100 Arch St., Philadelphia. RSVP to 215-635-3452 or e-mail: schieber@comcast.net.

Empty-Nest Cooking
The Gershman Y invites empty-nesters to learn how to prepare quick simple meals without fuss in a hands-on cooking class at 7 p.m., at the Philly Kitchen Share, 1514 South Street, Philadelphia. Save a place by calling 215-446-3022.

Chanukah Festivities
Newtown Hadassah will celebrate Chanukah with venders, latkes, gift exchange of dollar-store gifts and more at noon, at Shir Ami-Bucks County Jewish Congregation, 101 Richboro Rd., Newtown. Bring a dairy lunch, if you like. Call 215-579-7117.

High School Open House
The Jewish Community High School of Gratz College will host a 7 p.m. open house on the Mandell Campus at 7605 Old York Rd., Melrose Park. Students can still enroll for the 2009-10 academic year. Call 215-635-7300, Ext. 5, or visit: www.gratz.edu/jchs.

Food & Faith
Rabbi Robert S. Leib of Old York Road Temple-Beth Am will speak on "All Tomatoes Are Not Created Equal: Adventures of Food & Faith" at 7 p.m., at 971 Old York Rd., Abington. The talk is in conjunction with the Lincow Institute of Adult Education. Call 215-886-8000.

Infant Adoption
The OpenArms Network will sponsor a information meeting on domestic infant open adoption at 6:30 p.m., at 1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, N.J. Register by calling 267-256-2053.

Stiffel Friends
The Henny Poses Friendship Club will host singer Craig Satchel at a 1 p.m. meeting at the JCC Stiffel Senior Center, 604 Porter St., Philadelphia. Call 215-468-3500.

Cook for a Friend
Grab an apron and join the Cook for a Friend group in preparing meals for the needy at 10 a.m., at Old York Road Temple-Beth Am, 971 Old York Rd., Abington. Call 215-886-8000.

Tzedakah in Jewish Law
Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch will lead a 7 p.m. class focusing on "Tzedakah/Charity in Jewish Law" at Mekor Habracha Center City Synagogue, 127 S. 22nd St., Philadelphia. For info, call 215-525-4246 or visit: www.ccshul.com.

Roots & Branches
The Jewish Genealogy Society of Philadelphia will meet at 7:30 p.m., at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 N. Broad St., Philadelphia. Felicia Alexander will discuss "How Visiting Israel and Poland Reignited My Passion for Genealogy." Call 215-338-7920.

The 'Perfect' Grandma
The Greater Philadelphia Section of the National Council of Jewish Women will host author Bryna Nelson Paston in a discussion of her book, How to Be the Perfect Grandma: Rules of the Game at 1 p.m., at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Rd., Elkins Park. Call 215-628-8695.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9

Journeys Through Torah
The Etz Chaim Center for Jewish Studies will present Rabbi Moshe Ungar in a weekly discussion of the Torah portion at 7 p.m., at 1420 Walnut St., Suite 1008, Philadelphia. Call 215-546-8672.

Job-Search Workshop
JEWS Career Strategies will host a free job-search workshop every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m., at 9350 Ashton Rd., Suite 102, Philadelphia. RSVP to 215-854-1874.

Lunch & Learn
A noon Torah-study session, led by Rabbi Gary Charlestein, will be held at Fishman & Tobin Inc., Plymouth Corporate Center, Building E, Suite 320, 625 Ridge Pike, Conshohocken. Call 610-239-6003.

Exploring Judaism
Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann of Kol Tzedek, along with Jewish-education student Aileen Heimann, will open a 20-session course titled "Judaism for Everyone: An Exploration of the Philosophy, Rituals and Traditions of the Jewish People" at the Calvary Center for Community and Culture, 801 S. 48th St., Philadelphia. To register, e-mail: shelleyrlevine@gmail.com.

Rebate Assistance
Rep. Brendan F. Boyle will have staff available at the Klein JCC to assist seniors, ages 65 and older, with rent/ tax rebate forms from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Red Lion Rd. and Jamison Ave., Philadelphia. Call 215-698-7300.

'All Other Nights'
The Adult Education Committee of Temple Sinai will present Bev Cohen in a review of of Dara Horn's book All Other Nights at 8 p.m., at 1401 N. Limekiln Pike, Dresher. Call 215-643-6510.

Yiddish Culture
Melrose B'nai Israel Emanu-El will host a 12:30 p.m. meeting of the Yiddish Cultural Group at 133 W. Cheltenham Ave., Cheltenham. Call 215- 635-1505.

Planning Meeting
Join the Mosaic Outdoor Club of Philadelphia for a 6:30 p.m. dinner and planning meeting at the Taste King Chinese Restaurant, 10763 Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia. Call 856-787-0325.

Chanukah Sales Night
The Beth Tikvah B'nai Jeshurun Sisterhood gift shop will assist you with your Chanukah shopping needs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at 1001 Paper Mill Rd., Erdenheim. Call 215-836-5677.

Support Group
The OpenArms Adoption Network will host "Coffee Talk," a supportive forum for adoptive parents, at 6:30 p.m., at Champps, 2100 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia. Call 856- 701-1563.

Jesus & Jewish Law
Congregant Joe Schneider of Old York Road Temple-Beth Am will speak on "The Trial of Jesus and Jewish Law" at 10 a.m., at 971 Old York Rd., Abington. Call 215-886-8000.

'Torah Talk'
Join Rabbi Jeremy Garber of Congregation Ohev Shalom for "Torah Talk" at 9:45 a.m., at 2 Chester Rd., Wallingford. Call 610-874-1465.

THURSDAY, DEC. 10

'Face to Face With Faith'
The Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey Chapter of the American Jewish Committee, in cooperation with the InterFaithways: Interfaith Family Support Network, will present an open dialogue focusing on "Face to Face With Faith: Engaging Interfaith Families," at 7 p.m., at the National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. Featured speaker will be Steven Bayme, national director of the AJC Contemporary Jewish Life Department. Dessert reception is included. RSVP to 215-665-2300 or 856-665-5663.

Cook for a Friend
Join the Temple Beth Sholom Cook for a Friend Project in preparing and delivering meals to the elderly at 6:30 p.m., at 1901 Kresson Rd., Cherry Hill, N.J. Call 856-751-6663.

Beth Sholom Congregation invites volunteers to join them in preparing meals to be given to sick and needy Jewish seniors, at 9 a.m., at 8231 Old York Rd., Elkins Park. Call 215-887-1342.

Practical Kabbalah
Rabbi Paula Goldberg of Shir Ami-Bucks County Jewish Congregation will explore the Kabbalah and its mystical interpretations at 7:30 p.m., at 101 Richboro Rd., Newtown. Call 215-968-3400.

A Taste of Opera
Cultural Council 60-Plus will welcome Sam Feinberg for a lecture on the opera Puccini at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Rd., Elkins Park. The talk will follow an 11:30 a.m. buffet luncheon. RSVP to 215-887-8700.

Chanukah Party & Review
Temple Beth Ami will host a Chanukah party and book review at 1 p.m., at 9201 Old Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia. Dr. Irene Reiter will review Kathryn Stockett's The Help. Call 215-673-2511.

Ballroom-Dance Party
Singles and couples are invited to ditch the bar scene, and enjoy eating, socializing and dancing to Latin and ballroom music, every Thursday at Congregation Beth El-Ner Tamid, 715 Paxon Hollow Rd., Broomall. Admission includes a dance lesson and party. Lessons begin at 7:30 p.m.; the dance party at 8:15 p.m. Call 610-356-8700.

'A Hero in Heaven'
The Sisterhood and Senior Chaverim of Temple Beth Sholom will present the documentary, "A Hero in Heaven," chronicling the life of Michael Levin, the only American/ Israeli combat soldier to die in the second Lebanese war against Hezbollah, at 7:30 p.m., at 1901 Kresson Rd., Cherry Hill, N.J. RSVP to 856-795-3550.

Chanukah at the Mall
Lubavitch of Montgomery County will host a Chanukah celebration at 7 p.m., at the Montgomery Mall. The evening will feature the lighting of the menorah, the Beth Or Youth Choir, an art project and free giveaways. Call 215-591-9310.

Film, Book & Speaker
View the film, "Jewish America: the Civil War -- the Early Years," followed by a synopsis of Dara Horn's All Other Nights, and a talk by Carroll Weinberg, focusing on the history of Southern Jewry and his family's role during the Civil War, at Main Line Reform Temple-Beth Elohim, 410 Montgomery Ave., Wynnewood. The program, set to open at 12:15 p.m., is sponsored by the Jewish Outreach Partnership of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia as part of the "One Book, One Jewish Community" program. Call 610-649-7800.

Gala Dinner
Chabad Lubavitch of Chester County will host its second annual gala dinner at the Waterford Ballroom, 1160 First Ave., King of Prussia. The evening opens with a 6 p.m.reception. Honorees include State Sen. Andy Dinniman, Carl Rudnick, and Drs. Ronald and Marguerite Werrin. RSVP to 610-971-9977.

FRIDAY, DEC. 11

Scholar in Residence
Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman will serve as scholar in residence at Temple Judea of Bucks County, 300 E. Swamp Rd., Doylestown. The rabbi will take a retrospective look at the American synagogue at 7:30 p.m. Shabbat services. For a complete weekend schedule, call 215-348-5022.

Chanukah Family Shabbat
Congregation Rodeph Shalom invites the community to a Chanukah Family Shabbat service, featuring the Josh Nelson Project, at 6 p.m., at 615 N. Broad St., Philadelphia. Call 215-627-6747.

Outdoor Menorah Lighting
Join Old York Road Temple-Beth Am in celebrating Chanukah with the lighting of a giant outdoor menorah at 5:45 p.m., followed by services, at 971 Old York Rd., Abington. Call 215-886-8000.

Human-Rights Shabbat
Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation will welcome Darfurian refugees Suad Mansour and Al Ghail Yahya Shegifa to 8 p.m. services at 190 Camp Hill Rd., Fort Washington. The speakers will share their stories and discuss their work dealing with Darfurian outreach. Call 215-283-0276.

Vegetarian Potluck
The Shabbat Potluck Coalition will host a vegetarian Shabbat potluck dinner at 7:15 p.m., at Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel, 300 S. 18th St., Philadelphia. For more info, visit: www.Shabbat.potluck.googlepages.com.

Honoring New Members
Melrose B'nai Israel Emanu-El will honor new members at 6 p.m. services followed by a light supper at 133 W. Cheltenham Ave., Cheltenham. Call 215-635-1505.

SATURDAY, DEC. 12

Jackie Mason's in Town
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will host an outing to see comedian Jackie Mason in an 8 p.m. performance at the Keswick Theatre. Save a place by calling 215-677-1600.

Rick Recht Live!
Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation will present Rick Recht, internationally acclaimed Jewish rock star, live in concert at the Abington Friends School Theater, 575 Washington Lane, Jenkintown. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the concert will start at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, call 215-283-0276 or log on to: www.orhadash.com.

Lunch & Learn
The Sisterhood and Adult Education Committee of Congregation Adath Jeshurun will host a lunch-and-learn session following services at 7763 Old York Rd., Elkins Park. Reena Sigman Friedman will explore some of the issues confronting Jews during the Civil War. Call 215-635-1587.

SUNDAY, DEC. 13

Kids Culinary Academy
Kitchen Kapers invites children ages 6 to 12, to prepare oven-fried chicken fingers, a potato latke kugel and No-Fret Apple Fritters from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., at 341 Nixon Drive, Moorestown, N.J. Save a place by calling 856-778-7705 or visit: www.kitchenkapers.com.

Chanukah Celebration
Congregation Tiferes B'nai Israel will celebrate with the outdoor lighting of an extra-large menorah, a magic show with magician Chad Juros, latkes and doughnuts at 2478 Street Rd., Warrington. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Call 215-343-0155.

'Chanukah in Lego Land'
The Chabad Center for Jewish Life at the General Wayne Inn will open its Chanukah festivities at a Chanukah carnival, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 625 Montgomery Ave., Merion. The centerpiece will be the building of a 7-foot Lego menorah. Call 610-660-9900.

Lotsa Latkepalooza
The Gershman Y will host its seventh annual Latkepalooza, serving more than 3,000 latkes to adults and children, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Broad and Pine Sts., Philadelphia. Participating restaurants include Marigold Kitchen, Snackbar, Zahav, Estia, Jones, Max & David's, Penne, Sabrina's Cafe, Singapore Chinese Kitchen, Whole Foods and others. For tickets, call 215-545-4400 or go to: www.gershmany.org.

Gam Yahad
Gam Yahad of the Jewish Family and Children's Service will host a party for adults with developmental disabilities at 2 p.m., at Congregation Adath Jeshurun, 7663 Old York Rd., Elkins Park. Participants must provide their own transportation and supervision. RSVP to 267-256-2269.

Chanukah Party
PhillyYeladim and the Israeli House invite the Hebrew speaking community to an educational (and entertaining) Chanukah party at the Stern Center of the Perelman Jewish Day School, 48 Haverford Rd., Wynnewood. The festivities, set from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., will include sing, dancing, eating, and playing games led by Tzofim -- Philadelphia." Participants are asked to bring a kosher canned good for the Mitzvah Food Pantry. Call 610-658-2518.

Mitzvah Project
The Jewish Relief Agency is looking for volunteers of all ages to help pack and deliver nonperishable kosher food to low-income Jewish families. The group will meet at 10 a.m. at its warehouse, 10980 Dutton Rd., Philadelphia. Call 610-660-0190 to sign up.

Stop, Drop and Roll!
Congregation Adath Jeshurun and the Elkins Park Fire Company invite the community to a family-friendly open "fire house" from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at 7818 Montgomery Ave., Elkins Park. A Chanukah celebration is also scheduled. All ages are welcome. Call 215-635-3490.

Parenting Series
Temple Beth Sholom will host the third session of a parenting series at 9:15 a.m., at 1901 Kresson Rd., Cherry Hill, N.J. The topic: "Why Don't We Have a Tree?" Babysitting provided. Register by e-mail at: gold--raden@yahoo.com.

Chanukah at the Mall
Lubavitch of Montgomery County will host a Chanukah celebration at 7 p.m., at the Plymouth Meeting Mall. The evening will feature the lighting of the menorah, the youth choirs of Beth Tikvah B'nai Jeshurun and Tiferet Beth Israel, an art project and free giveaways. Call 215-591-9310.

Chanukah Extravaganza
The Kaiserman JCC invites the community to a day of food, games, arts-and-crafts, latke-tasting and more, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood. Andi Joseph will entertain. A craft fair is also planned. Call 610-896-7770, Ext. 102.

'The Green Menorah'
The Hassel Adult Education Lecture of Main Line Reform Temple, Beth Elohim will be presented by Rabbi Margot Stein at 410 Montgomery Ave., Wynnewood. The topic, "The Green Menorah," will focus on environmental issues, and will feature ways to involve the entire family in efforts to lessen the impact on the environment. Come for coffee and bagels at 9 a.m. Call 610-649-7800.

Upcoming Events

Chanukah at the Acme
The Chabad Center for Jewish Life at the General Wayne Inn will continue its Chanukah celebration with an olive-oil workshop, arts-and-crafts and a menorah-lighting on Monday, Dec. 14, at 5 p.m., at the Kosher Market Place Acme Markets, 829 Montgomery Ave., Narberth. Call 610-660-9900.

Blood Drive
Congregation Ohev Shalom will host a blood drive on Monday, Dec. 14, from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at 2 Chester Rd., Wallingford. Call 610-566-8979.

Chanukah at the Mall
The Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Center will host Chanukah at the Willow Grove Park Mall at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14. There will be Chanukah art projects and free giveaways. For info, call 215-572-1511 or e-mail: Dini@JewishAbington.com.