Untold Stories of the Bible

Reconstructionist Rabbi David Sulomm Stein will speak on “The History of the Bible: The Untold Stories” at 8 p.m. Friday at University Synagogue in Irvine.

Stein, who is filling in for Rabbi Arnold Rachlis, will focus on the dynamic people who wrote, edited and preserved the sacred texts. He will also discuss how to choose a good Bible translation and why the Bible is such an “ornery” book.

Stein is the managing editor and co-designer of the new Jewish Publication Society Hebrew-English Bible. Shana Winokur will serve as cantor.

Services begin at 8 p.m. at the University Synagogue, 4915 Alton Parkway. Information: (949) 553-3535.