REFORM JUDAISM: Jewish historian Michael Meyer of...

REFORM JUDAISM: Jewish historian Michael Meyer of Hebrew Union College’s Cincinnati campus will describe changes in Reform Judaism during talks next weekend as scholar-in-residence at Stephen S. Wise Temple, located off Mulholland Drive east of the San Diego Freeway.

The series will begin during the 8 p.m. Sabbath service Friday and end with a talk on the future of the liberal wing of Judaism at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 5. At 2:30 p.m. Nov. 4, Meyer will lecture on Reform’s evolving views on Zionism from hostility in the early 20th Century to pro-Israel activism since the 1960s and 1970s.

In a departure from those themes, Meyer will talk at 10 a.m. Nov. 4 on “The Anguish of Animals: What Does Judaism Have to Say About Animal Rights?”

The lectures are free and open to the public. Information: (818) 788-4778.

‘GODSPELL’ PERFORMANCES: The musical “Godspell,” based on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, will be presented by the Prince’s Players in five performances at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, 5700 Rudnick Ave., Woodland Hills, starting at 8 p.m. Friday.

Other performances will be 8 p.m. Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5, 8 p.m. Nov. 10 and 8 p.m. Nov. 11. Tickets are $5. Information: (818) 346-6968.

JEWISH / BUDDHIST: Author Rodger Kamenetz will talk Wednesday night in Encino about his meeting with the Dalai Lama during a Jewish-Buddhist encounter at the exiled Tibetan leader’s monastic headquarters a few years ago that led to his book, “The Jew in the Lotus.”

Kamenetz’s talk will be at 7:45 p.m. at Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd. Admission is $3 for adults.

TODAY’S CATHOLIC: Father James J. Maher, associate pastor at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Sherman Oaks, will speak at the monthly Catholic Community Luncheon on Wednesday at Barone’s Restaurant, 10123 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake. Maher, who was an associate pastor at St. Dorothy’s parish in Glendora until July, will talk on “What It Means to Be a Catholic in Today’s World.”

The cost is $9. Reservations: (818) 784-1960.

VIOLENCE EFFECTS: Beginning a public forum on dealing with society’s violence, Pastor Ann Tiemeyer will speak on how violence affects people’s spiritual life at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 17400 Vanowen St., Van Nuys.

Psychotherapist Mario DeSalvo will talk the next two Wednesday nights on how violence affects a person’s mind and body. The last talk, on Nov. 29, will be by Los Angeles Police Officer Joe Losorelli of the Van Nuys Division. Information: (818) 342-0302.

HALLOWEEN PARTY: As part of its community outreach, East Valley Congregational Church, 10919 Oxnard St., North Hollywood, will hold a coffeehouse-style gathering from 7:30 to 10 p.m. today with a Halloween theme.

The non-religious event, open to all, will provide an open microphone for entertainers. People may come in costumes and watch classic horror films as well, a spokesman said.

Refreshments are available for a nominal charge.

ORGAN CONCERT: William Paul Stroud, veteran church organist and a professor emeritus at Cal State Long Beach, will play a benefit concert, including the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and Dale Wood, at 4 p.m. Sunday in Glendale First Lutheran Church, 1300 E. Colorado St.

Stroud served as organist at Angelica Lutheran Church in Los Angeles for more than 20 years and now plays at the 6th Church of Christ, Scientist in Long Beach. No admission is asked but an offering will be taken.