Religion Notes

JEWISH EDUCATION: Two free adult education classes will be taught Sunday at Temple Ahavat Shalom, 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge. Rabbi Jerry Brown will teach “Israel and American Jews: Is the Bond Breaking?” at 9 a.m. and Rabbi Barry Lutz) will teach “Opening the Gates of Prayer: Intermediate Hebrew” at 11 a.m. Information: (818) 360-2258.

SUNDAY SERVICE: The Rev. Bill Schirmer will present a program on “Blessed Are the Pacemakers” at 10 a.m. Sunday at La Crescenta Church of Religious Science, 4845 Dunsmore St. Brunch will be served immediately following the program. Free. Information: (818) 249-1045.

CHURCH PLAY: Auditions for actors, singers and dancers for its play “The Passion Play” will be held from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday and 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch. Information: (818) 831-9333 Ext. 144.

CHURCH MUSIC: The Epiphany Vespers, a music program written to the glory of God, will be held at 7 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 15950 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills. Free. Information: (818) 891-1759.

HEBREW COURSE: Cantor emeritus Avrum Schwartz will teach a five-week beginner Hebrew reading crash course at 8 p.m. beginning Tuesday at Shomrei Torah Synagogue, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. The cost, which includes books and materials, is $25 for members and $40 for guests. Information and registration: (818) 346-0811.

CATHOLIC LUNCHEON: Sister Rita Callanan, coordinator of Project Rachel for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, will speak and lead a discussion on “The Significance of the Holy Door” at the Catholic Community luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn, 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. The cost is $14. Information and reservations: (818) 846-3271.

BREAKFAST MEETING: The Executives, a support group of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging, will host a breakfast meeting in which Rabbi Kalman) Winnick and Dr. Bruce Barnett will discuss the topic of “Euthanasia: Is There a Time When Life Itself Is Not Enough?” from 7:25 to 9 a.m. Thursday at the Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard St., Woodland Hills. The cost is $18 for members and $20 for guests. Information and reservations: (818) 774-3331.

PRAYER GROUP: A Centering Prayer support group, a silent meditation method intended to deepen one’s relationship with God, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. Free. Information: (818) 784-4515.

YIDDISH CULTURE: Kay Goodman, Yiddish lecturer and historian, will discuss “A Visit to the Jewish Community of South America: Our South American Counterpart in the New World” at a meeting of the Los Angeles Yiddish Culture Club at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Adat Ari El’s Deiber Chapel, 12020 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. The program will be presented in Yiddish and English. The cost is free for members and $3 for guests. Information: (818) 376-1640.

DINNER AND DISCUSSION: Temple Ramat Zion, 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge, will host Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6:30 p.m., a Shabbat dinner at 7:15 p.m., followed by an after-dinner discussion by Rabbi Steven Tucker on “Jewish Views on Love and Marriage.” The cost for dinner is $12 for adults and $7.50 for children 12 and younger. Information and reservations: (818) 360-1881.

CHRISTIAN SINGLES: The Tarzana Christian Singles Network will meet at 7 p.m. at St. James Presbyterian Church, 19414 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. A $2 donation is requested. Information: (818) 340-5720.

News and announcements for this column can be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311.