Religion Notes
JEWISH SOURCES: Rabbi James Lee Kaufman will teach an 11-week course, “Back to the Sources,” on the teachings of the Maimonides, a Misnah Torah compiled thousands of years ago but still considered an influential Jewish text, beginning Sunday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Temple Beth Torah, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village. The cost is $20 for seniors, $50 for members and $70 for guests. Information: (818) 763-9148, Ext. 110.
SPIRITUAL PROGRAM: The Rev. Bill Schirmer will present a program, “Spiritual Keys to a Balanced Life,” at the 10 a.m. Sunday services at the La Crescenta Church of Religious Science, 4845 Dunsmore St. Free. Information: (818) 249-1045.
FATHER BOYLE: Cara Gould will present a program on Father Gregory Boyle and gang members from South and East Los Angeles and how they started Home Boy Industries as a way to deal positively with gang problems, Sunday at 10:45 a.m. at Sepulveda Unitarian-Universalist Society, 9550 Haskell Ave., North Hills. Free. Information: (818) 894-9251.
SCROLLS WORKSHOP: Chabad of the Conejo will host a free family workshop, “Scribes and Scrolls,” with a hands-on demonstration of how a Torah scroll is written, Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Conejo Jewish Academy, 30345 Canwood St., Agoura Hills. Information: (818) 991-0991.
PAJAMA FUND-RAISER: A family musical pajama party will be held Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village. The cost is $7.50 and proceeds will benefit the Beth Hillel Day School. Information and reservations: (818) 784-5025.
SHALOM SENIORS: Erwin Chemerinsky, USC professor of law, will discuss “The Supreme Court and Anti-Semitism” at the Senior Shalom Club meeting Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the West Valley Jewish Community Center, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills. The cost is $2 for center members and $4 for guests. Information: (818) 464-3300.
ASH WEDNESDAY: Holy Spirit Retreat Center will celebrate Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, with a liturgy and distribution of ashes at 9 a.m., followed by a day of prayer from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. The $25 cost includes lunch. Information and registration: (818) 784-4515.
YIDDISH PURIM: The Los Angeles Yiddish Culture Club will hold a Purim celebration, a Jewish holiday celebrating the Feast of Lots, Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Adat Ari El’s Deiber Chapel, 12020 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. The program will be spoken in both Yiddish and English. The cost is $3 for guests. Information: (818) 766-9426.
JEWISH BUSINESS ETHICS: Rabbi Joshua B. Gordon, executive director of Chabad of the Valley, will lecture on “Business Ethics: Employee/Employer Relationships” Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Conejo Jewish Academy, 30345 Canwood St., Agoura Hills. The cost is $12. Information and reservations: (818) 991-0991.
RETREAT WEEKEND: A Centering Prayer Weekend, intended for those who wish to deepen their practice of centering prayer, will focus on “The Human Condition: Contemplation and Transformation” from 5 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Sunday at Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. The cost is $160 for a private room, $145 for a shared room and $100 for commuters. The price includes meals. Information and registration: (818) 784-4515.
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News and announcements for this column can be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311.