Religion Notes

BIRTHDAY HONOR: A dinner honoring Rabbi Steven Jacobs will be hosted by members of his congregation at Temple Kol Tikvah at 7 tonight at North Ranch Country Clubs, 4761 Valley Spring Drive, Westlake Village. Jacobs accompanied Rev. Jesse Jackson and other clergy to Belgrade last week and helped win the release of three American prisoners of war. Information: (818) 884-1818.

CASINO GAMES: A Monte Carlo Night, featuring casino games, food, prizes and a silent auction, will begin at 7:30 tonight at Temple Ramat Zion, 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge. The cost is $27.50 with reservations and $30 at the door. Child care is available for $5 per child. Information and reservations: (818) 360-1881.

WORSHIP FOR MOTHERS: A special service for mothers will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 17400 Vanowen St., Van Nuys. Free. Information: (818) 342-0302.

MOM RECOGNIZED: The Rev. James Bodman will present a program in honor of Mother’s Day, “Mother Remembered,” at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at Sepulveda Unitarian-Universalist Society, 9550 Haskell Ave., North Hills. Attendees will be invited to share personal tributes to their mothers. Free. Information: (818) 894-9251.

JUDAISM LECTURE: A lecture, “The Many Faces of Judaism,” will be presented from 6:45 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Sepulveda Unitarian-Universalist Society, 9550 Haskell Ave., North Hills. This discussion is part of the religious education series, “The Many Paths of Unitarian Universalists.” Free. Information: (818) 894-9251.

JEWISH SURVIVAL: David N. Myers will present a lecture, “New Chains of Tradition,” about Jewish survival and the new culture that has emerged as a new rationale for Jewish identity, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Myers is the author of several books about modern Jewish intellectual and cultural history. Admission is $8 general and $4 for members and students. Information and reservations: (323) 660-8587.

STATE DISCUSSION: Evan Press, regional director for the State Department, will lecture on “Insight into the State Department” at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Temple Beth Hillel Social Hall, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village. The cost is $2, which includes bagels and coffee. Information: (818) 763-9148.

A DAY OF PRAYER: Thomas Bernard MacConnell will present a service, “I Love the Beauty of Your House, O Lord,” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. The service will focus on prayer and praying in various contemplative ways. Free. Information: (818) 784-4515.

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