There’s an Israel fest in Simi Valley Sunday.
It’s a lovely idea but it is going to be too stinking hot.
If the success of American Jewish University’s book fair last fall is any indication, Israel: A Mega Celebration might be the bash we’ve all been waiting for. A full day of festivities, replete with educational discussions, cultural 
activities and — most importantly — Israeli food, will be held on the beautiful Brandeis-Bardin campus, where Reps. Howard Berman (D-Sherman Oaks) and Brad Sherman (D-Van Nuys); UCLA Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller; Israel’s Consul General Jacob Dayan; Dennis Prager; and others will address Israel-related issues. After intellectual exercises on the Islamic jihad threat, the attitudes of American presidential candidates toward Israel and the greening of the Holy Land, let loose to the grooves of the Moshav Band, Israeli star Tzvika Pik and a theatrical performance by Noa Baum. Israeli dancing and a live “shuk” with Israeli goods will fill any spare time. Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 (children), $20 (adults). American Jewish University, Brandeis-Bardin Campus, 1101 Peppertree Lane, Simi Valley. (310) 440-1246. http://wcce.ajula.edu/israel60.
(ISRAEL @ 60)
Israel’s 60th birthday seems like a never-ending celebratory extravaganza, but it’s only because we love her so much! Here is one more opportunity to bask in the glory of the Holy Land during the Skirball Center’s “Israel turns 60!” — a party for the whole family, where kids can design colorful birthday cards and eat scrumptious frosted cake. Learn a fact or two about Israel’s multiculturalism and history, and don’t forget to wear your blue-and-white party hat! Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. http://www.skirball.com.
