EDUCATOR AWARD: Yardena Shamir of Tarzana was...

EDUCATOR AWARD: Yardena Shamir of Tarzana was recently awarded the Cotsen-Pepper Master Teacher Fellowship Award of $30,000 by the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles. Shamir, who teaches at Union Hebrew High School and Stephen S. Wise Religious School, will serve as a teacher mentor at other schools affiliated with the bureau, the agency announced. As part of the Jewish Federation, the Bureau of Jewish Education assists more than 29,000 students and 2,000 educators at 164 schools in the greater Los Angeles area. Philanthropists Lloyd Cotsen and Murray Pepper established the fellowship to focus public attention on the contribution of teachers. Shamir is the first to receive this fellowship. “We are confident that Yardena will inspire and enhance other religious school teachers in the actual teaching process within the classroom,” said Pepper.

MUSICAL MINISTRY: Musicians Rick and Cathy Riso will perform Christian and secular music as part of the Church on the Way’s “Summer of Song” series. The Risos, described as well known for their “sensitive perspective in musical ministry,” will take the stage at 5 p.m. Sunday at the church, 14300 Sherman Way, Van Nuys. Information: (818) 779-8000.

MASTER OF ILLUSIONS: A metaphysical magic show will be performed by Mitch Williams at 4 p.m. Sunday at Namaste Interfaith Center, a self-awareness church, 6020 Woodman Ave., Van Nuys. The cost is a donation of $10, $5 for children under 10. Information: (818) 781-4176.

FAMILY AND RELIGION: A two-part inter-religious panel discussion titled “What My Faith Tells Me About My Family” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at First Presbyterian Church of Encino, 4963 Balboa Blvd. Representatives from five faiths will participate, including the Rev. Jeffrey Pulling of Metropolitan Community Church in the Valley, Joan Mackay for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lisa Janti of the Bahai faith, Edward Kenzan Levin of the Zen Center of Los Angeles, and a representative from the Parks Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Pacoima. Information: (818) 718-6460, Ext. 3002.

SING ALONG: SING, an eight-member a cappella harmony group, will perform music from gospel to Gershwin, spirituals, anthems, jazz and soft rock as part of the “Music Under the Stars” series at Holy Spirit Retreat Center. The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. Admission is $8, $2 for children under 12. Information: (818) 784-4515.

LEARNING TO PRAY: “How the Prayer Books Work” will be the topic of a discussion in the continuing adult-education classes led by student Rabbi Daniel Moskovitz and Cantor Caren Glasser at 7 p.m. Thursday at Kol Tikvah, 20400 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. Classes are free. Information: (818) 348-0670.