Holocaust writer to be discussed at York

The Israel and Golda Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Studies at York University is hosting two free lectures in a program titled H. G. Adler: Life, Literature, Legacy.

Hans Gunther Adler, a survivor of Theresienstadt, Auschwitz and Buchenwald, published 26 books of fiction, poetry, history, philosophy and social science. Recent translations of his works from the original German have given English readers an opportunity to discover this important writer about the Holocaust.

Adler’s son, Prof. Jeremy Adler of King’s College London, will speak on “The World of My Father’s Memory Writing,” and Prof. Lawrence L. Langer will speak on “Holocaust Fact and Holocaust Fiction: The Dual Vision of H. G. Adler.” York University, Vanier College, Room 001. Sunday, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Parking vouchers will be provided. 416-736-5823, www.yorku.ca/cjs

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Paula Abdul in Town: Magen Boys Entertainment and Sole Power Productions present a rare, intimate and personal evening with Grammy Award-winning performer Paula Abdul as she discusses her Canadian and Jewish roots. This will be Abdul’s first Canadian appearance in years. $118; VIP $250; tax receipts available. Proceeds to benefit Chabad on the Avenue. Eglinton Grand Theatre, 400 Eglinton Ave. W. near Avenue Road. Sunday, Nov. 25, VIP reception 6 p.m., doors open 7 p.m. for general admission. www.PaulaInToronto.com

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Fiddler in Richmond Hill: A new production of Fiddler On The Roof, produced by Steppin’ Out Theatre Productions, is being directed by Brian Lee, a graduate of the Anne and Max Tanenbaum Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto. The production will feature 40 actors, a minimalist set, and a new orchestration not previously performed in Canada. Richmond Hill Performing Arts Centre, Nov. 21 to 25. www.steppinout.ca

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Cinema of Sidney Lumet: Shlomo Schwartzberg continues his series of talks (with film clips) on Lumet, with a discussion of “Cops, Crooks & Corruption: The Offence, Serpico, Find Me Guilty, Q&A, and Night Falls on Manhattan.” Drop-in, $12, students $6. Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, Monday, Nov. 12, 7 to 9 p.m. 416-924-6211, ext. 606.

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Book Launch: Barbara Klein Muskrat Then & Now is the title of Sharon Abron Drache’s third collection of short fiction. A book launch takes place at the Miles Nadal JCC, Room 318, Thursday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m., with an author reading at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments, everyone welcome.

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Belgian Violinist in Town: Belgian violinist Michael Guttman, who the Jerusalem Post has described as “the Chagall of violinists,” is performing a recital with pianist Stephan Sylvestre, featuring music by Beethoven, Brahms, Faure and Arvo Part. Gallery 345, Monday, Nov. 12, 8 p.m. $10 to $25. 416-822-9781, www.gallery345.com

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Names in the News: Canadian actor and Oscar-nominated director Sarah Polley held a private screening of her new documentary Stories We Tell as a fundraiser for Mount Sinai Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s Perinatal Parents Association. The association provides parent-to-parent support and education for families with babies in the NICU. The event raised more than $14,000.

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Arts in Brief

• The guitar duo Isra-Alien bring their high-energy Balkan beats and mid-century Israeli hits to the Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W. (west of Dufferin), Sunday, Nov. 18. Doors open 7 p.m., show starts 8 p.m. $10 advance, $15 at the door. 416-588-0307.

• Israeli flutist, composer and Yemen Blues founder Hadar Noiberg brings her trio to the Al Green Theatre, Miles Nadal JCC. Tickets $25. Thursday, Nov. 22, 8 p.m. 416-624-6211, ext. 0. www.algreentheatre.ca

• Active Seniors and Boomers of the Miles Nadal JCC offers a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum guided by curator Corey Keeble, who will highlight aspects of Judaica and Judaism in some of the most important galleries. $15. Thursday, Dec. 6, 1:30 p.m. Please register and pay by Nov. 19. 416-924-6211, ext. 0. Call Phyllis at ext. 155 for information.

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At the Galleries

• Rochelle Rubinstein blends biblical narratives, cultural legends, liturgy and poetry with her own personal stories to create abstract yet recognizable images of family, community and history. Her exhibit Silk Stones is on view at the Miles Nadal JCC Gallery through Nov. 12.

• The artwork of Rose Lindzon is inspired by archeology, history and travel; a recent series of works is based on her photographs of Victoria Falls in Africa. Her art is on view in her studio, 176 Bedford Rd., Thursday, Nov. 8, 5 to 9 p.m. RSVP to 416-961-1523 or [email protected]