A discussion group based on Wendy Mogel's LA Times bestseller, "The Blessing of a Skinned Knee," will meet monthly for the duration of the school year.

Yiddish Hour on KBOO, 90.7 FM Radio. Hosted by Jack and Reva Falk. 10-11 am.

Hosted by Portland Kollel. Eat a hearty breakfast, then explore diverse topics of Jewish philosophy and law. Portland Kollel, 2429 SW Vermont. 503-245-5420.

Annual Temple Beth Sholom neighborhood ice cream social and bake sale will start after Sunday School with pizza by the slice, followed by Sunday Sundaes, rootbeer floats, banana splits and homebaked goodies. Chris Boga will provide music and there will be games for the kids. Rabbi James and his wife also will be on hand for a community meet-and-greet. For information or to volunteer, call Elaine Day at 503-585-3942. Temple Beth Sholom, 1274 Cunningham Lane S., Salem.

Community-wide event opens with an introduction to the afternoon's theme—the Jewish context for social action—by Rabbi Ariel Stone from Congregation Shir Tikvah. The first round of workshops includes topics like" Organizing with Your Congregation," "Social Justice and the Statehouse" and "What's Jewish About Social Action." Then, at about 3:15 p.m., Rabbi
Lee Bycel from the American Jewish World Service will deliver a keynote about Darfur. At 3:50 p.m. the second round of workshops begins, including topics like "Never Again," "Confronting Hunger in Our Own Backyard" and "Climate Change and What We Can Do About It." Institute is open to the community. No registration required; free to attend. Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Community Relations Committee and Oregon Board of Rabbis. For information, call Bob Horenstein at 503-245-6496 or e-mail bob@jewishportland.org. 1-5 p.m. MJCC, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy.

In celebration of the Institute for Judaic Studies' 25th anniversary, this conference features keynote speaker Zvi Gitelman, a Preston R. Tisch Professor of Judaic Studies, Research Scientist, Center for Russian and East European Studies at the University of Michigan. He is the author of "Revolution, Repression and Revival: The Soviet Jewish Experience." Additional keynote speaker William Korey is a human rights scholar and activist, who has taught at City College, Columbia University and Brooklyn College. He is the author of "Taking on the World’s Repressive Regimes: The Ford Foundation’s International Human Rights Policy and Programs." Conference runs Sept. 14-16. For a detailed schedule, call 503-244-4473 or e-mail frankel@lclark.edu. Presented in cooperation with the Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies. Portland State University, Broadway Building, 1970 SW Broadway, Room 222.

Sheerya Shivers will perform in a recital of classical and Jewish music. Proceeds will go toward her tuition at the University of Oregon where she will pursue a master of music degree in voice this fall. $25 for patrons and $10 general admission. For information, visit www.sheerya.com. 3 p.m. Sherman Clay Pianos, 131 NW 13th Ave.

Directed by Sacha Reich, the Jewish Theatre Collaborative presents "Roman Berman, Massage Therapist," a short story adapted for the stage word for word and performed by eight actors. The reading is part of the IJS fall conference. Also presented by the Institute for Judaic Studies. For information, call 503-244-4473 or email frankel@lclark.edu. $5. Broadway Building, 1970 SW Broadway, Room 222.

Join Portland area cantors for an afternoon concert, followed by a reception. Featured performers will be Cantor Judith B. Schiff, Cantor Ida Rae Cahana, Cantor Mark Childs, Cantor Mark Saltzman and Congregation Beth Israel's Children, Teen and Adult Choirs. 4 p.m. Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders St. 503-222-1069.

An after-hours, private rental at the MJCC. Great opportunity to exercise in a female only environment. $18 per individual, $36 family. RSVP to 503-452-6237.

Revered Jewish sources regard care of one’s physical self as a mitzvah of the highest order. As we enter a New Year, join Dr. Shani Fox for a spirited, interactive session about the difference self-care can make in quality of life for you and those around you. Learn how to enhance the mitzvah of self-care in your life…and enjoy it. 7:45 p.m. Congregation Kesser Israel, 6698 SW Capitol Hwy. 503-222-1239.

Open to all ages, followed by open dance until 11 pm. $3 fee. Fulton Park Community Center, 68 SW Miles. 503-244-7461.

Rare community event features Yoav Ashriel, one of Israel's most well-known choreographers, who will be in Portland teaching some of his classic dances. $5. 8 p.m.-midnight. Fulton Community Center, 68 SW Miles St. 503-823-3180.