By JTNews staff, other
Jewish life in outer space
Jeremy Alk will lead a six-session course on how Jews might celebrate Shabbat in space or greet an alien being visiting Earth, as well as discussing Biblical evidence that aliens have been to our planet in the past. For more information or to register, contact Carol Benedick at 206-524-0075. Classes begin Wed., Nov. 5 at 8:15 p.m. At Congregation Beth Shalom, 6800 35th Ave. NE, Seattle.
Adult Hebrew classes
Temple B’nai Torah is offering three levels of Hebrew language classes for adults starting Sun., Nov. 2. Funding for these classes is provided by the Hermine Pruzan Endowment Fund, and as a result, Temple B’nai Torah can offer them for free to both congregation members and non-members. Taught by Donna Blankinship and Aleen Yamasaki. For more information, contact Molly Plotnik at 425-603-9677 ext. 209 or MPlotnik@templebnaitorah.org. At Temple B’nai Torah, 15727 NE 4th St., Bellevue.
Torahthon at Herzl-Ner Tamid
Herzl-Ner Tamid is hosting a three-day festival of learning, featuring classes on all manner of Torah-related topics taught by more than 30 local rabbis and religious leaders. Torahthon will take place Nov. 5, 9 and 12. For more information or to register, visit www.herzl-ner-tamid.org. At Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation, 3700 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island.
Growing up in Nazi Germany
Local author Eycke Strickland will speak about her new memoir, Eyes are Watching, Ears are Listening: Growing up in Nazi Germany 1933-1946, in which she relates her memories as a non-Jewish German youngster living in annexed Poland. Strickland’s father has been recognized as “Righteous Among the Nations” — an honor awarded by Yad Vashem to individuals who risked their lives to save Jewish people during the Holocaust. Sponsored by Temple Beth Am and the Holocaust Center. Open to the public. Sun., Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. at Temple Beth Am, 2632 NE 80th St., Seattle.
Putting the flesh on the bones
Ron Arons, author of The Jews of Sing Sing, will give a talk on how to delve deeper into the lives of ancestors when doing geological research, rather than just collecting names, dates and locations. Cost is free for members of the Washington State Jewish Genealogical Society, $5 for non-members. Wi-fi access available. Mon., Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Stroum JCC, 3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island.
New York Times columnist to speak
Frank Rich, New York Times op-ed columnist and author of The Greatest Story Ever Sold: The Decline and Fall of Truth in Bush’s America, will speak at Temple De Hirsch Sinai on Sun., Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. This event is part of the Keller Family Lecture series. Free and open to everyone. At the Alhadeff Sanctuary, Temple De Hirsch Sinai, 1441 16th Ave., Seattle.