Religion Notes

JEWISH WOMEN: Katy Cuiba, children’s librarian at the Northridge Branch Library, will review President Jimmy Carter’s book “An Hour Before Dawn” at the luncheon meeting of the Zahava Chapter of Jewish Women International, at noon Monday at Marie Callender’s, 19310 Business Center Drive, Northridge. The cost is $10. Information and reservations: (818) 993-5917.

JEWISH HISTORY CLASS: A six-week class, “4,000 Years of Jewish History,” will be taught from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Monday at the West Valley Jewish Community Center, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills. The cost is $15 for members and $22 for guests. Information and registration: (818) 464-3300.

PURIM LECTURE: Rabbi David Rousso will present a free lecture on “Purim and the Dangers of Assimilation” from 8 to 10 p.m. Monday at the Cal State Northridge Hillel House, 17729 Plummer St., Northridge. Information: (818) 832-8293.

12 STEPS: “Starting Over,” a four-week course on addiction and the 12 steps adapted from the teachings of Judaism, will be held at 8 p.m. beginning Monday at the Conejo Jewish Academy, 30345 Canwood St., Agoura Hills. The cost is $25. Information and registration: (818) 991-0991.

CHURCH AND STATE: University Women will hear a lecture on “The Vanishing Wall: Separating Church and State” at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the University of Judaism, 15600 Mulholland Drive in the Sepulveda Pass. The cost is $7 for members and $10 for guests. Information and reservations: (310) 476-9777, Ext. 283.

ETERNAL JERUSALEM: Rabbi Yitschak M. Kagan will present a lecture on “Jerusalem Undivided: The Eternal Capital of the Jewish People” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Menachem Institute, 18181 Burbank Blvd., Tarzana. The cost is $7.50 in advance and $5 at the door. Information and reservations: (818) 758-1818, Ext. 111.

ASH WEDNESDAY: An Ash Wednesday Day of Prayer service will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. The $25 cost includes lunch. Information and registration: (818) 784-4515.

JEWISH BURIAL: Southern California Chevra Kadisha Society will hold a fund-raising Zayin Adar Dessert Reception at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Shaarey Zedek Congregation, 12800 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood. The event will honor rabbis who have pledged their support for the deed of tahara and tachrichin, the proper method of Jewish burial. The society’s main goal is to provide the burial services free to families in hope that Jews will receive this purification burial process. A $60 donation is requested. Information and reservations: (818) 763-3161.

AGLOW MEETING: The Glendale Chapter of the Aglow Lighthouse Community will meet at 9:30 a.m. March 3 at the Heritage House, 401 E. Colorado Blvd., Glendale. Free. Information: (818) 845-3098.

HUMANISTIC JEWS: The Valley Congregation for Humanistic Judaism will discuss Purim from a humanist point of view at 10 a.m. March 3 in the Sherman Oaks Fashion Square community room, 14006 Riverside Drive. Free. Information: (818) 761-6818.

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