BUDDHISM AND CHRISTIANITY: Professor Masao Abe will...
BUDDHISM AND CHRISTIANITY: Professor Masao Abe will discuss “Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha” as part of a free lecture series on Buddhism and Christianity from 10 a.m. to noon today at the Cal State Northridge bookstore complex, 18111 Nordhoff St. The series continues with a lecture on “Zen and Buddhism” from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 14 and ends with “Life and Death, Good and Evil in Zen” from 10 a.m. to noon March 7. Information: (818) 677-4852.
JEWISH IDENTITY: Daniel Gordis, University of Judaism’s vice president for public affairs and community outreach, will present a lecture on “Does the World Need the Jews?: Rethinking Choosiness and American Jewish Identity” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Shomrei Torah Synagogue, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. Gordis has written three books on Judaism. Tickets cost $7 with advance reservation, $8 at the door. Information and reservations: (818) 346-0811.
CONVENT FUND-RAISER: Les Dames de Saint Louis, an auxiliary of the Convent for the Sisters of Saint Louis in Woodland Hills, will host “Circle of Friends”--a high tea, silent auction and raffle--at noon Sunday at the Calabasas Inn, 23500 Park Sorrento Drive. Proceeds benefit a renovation project that seeks to double the living quarters for sisters who are sick or retired. Tickets cost $45. Information and reservations: (818) 703-5091.
ALIYAH UNPLUGGED: Aliyah Unplugged, featuring cantor Gary Shapiro, will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday at Temple Aliyah, 6025 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills. The cost is $18 for reserved seating, $15 general, $10 for seniors and students. Ideas for concert favorites may be called in on the Cantor’s Request Line: (818) 346-3545, Ext. 302. Information: (818) 884-0094.
RESCUE OF ETHIOPIAN JEWS: The Temple Beth Hillel Forum will present a slide show and discussion on “The 20th Century Miracle of the Redemption of an Ancient People: The Rescue of the Ethiopian Jews” at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the temple, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village. Admission is $2. Information: (818) 763-9148.
CHRISTIAN ROCK: A free concert featuring 42 Faces, a Christian rock band, will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church, 10000 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills. Information: (818) 892-8490.
WEDDING VOW RENEWAL: Burbank Church of Religious Science will offer a free wedding vow renewal ceremony at 3 p.m. Feb. 14 at the church, 260 N. Pass Ave., Burbank. Couples are invited to wear what they wore on their wedding day, and their garments will be complemented with bouquets for the women and boutonnieres for the men. After the ceremony, the newly re-weds will be honored at an afternoon tea dance with finger sandwiches, live music and wedding cake. Information and registration: (818) 848-4158.
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News and announcements for this column can be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311.