Faith and identity: Learn about African-Americans' experience in religious traditions such as Islam, Buddhism, Ifa and Baha'i Faith plus atheist philosophy during a panel discussion from 2-3 p.m. Jan. 28 at Stonecrest Library. Stephanie Evans, Ph.D. and chair of the African-American Studies department at Clark Atlanta University, will moderate. Free and open to the public. Information: 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. 770-482-3828, www.dekalblibrary.org/branches/stcr.
Author talk: Bob Goff, The New York Times bestselling author of "Love Does" and attorney who founded Restore International, a nonprofit human rights organization in Uganda, India and Somalia, will discuss how people can do more in their lives beginning from 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. After the discussion, a book signing and reception will be open for the first 500 people registered. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com and type "Bob Goff" and "Atlanta" in the search boxes. Tickets are $25 each. Information: 3180 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-266-2373, www.prumc.org.
Music and more: Shabbat Shirah celebrates the freedom story of the Israelites in song, and music and singing will begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at Oakhurst Baptist Church (222 E. Lake Drive, Decatur). Sponsored by Congregation Bet Haverim, the event is intended to inspire hope and a commitment to upholding freedom for all. Free and open to the public. Information: 2074 LaVista Road, Atlanta. 404-315-6446, www.congregationbethaverim.org.
Cooking class: During the Master Chefs Cooking Series, Atlanta native Eli Kirshtein, partner and executive chef of the Luminary, a French-American brasserie at Krog Street Market, and a former contestant on "Top Chef," will prepare winter vegan dishes and offer cooking tips and sage advice to turn a simple dish into a masterpiece. The culinary class will take place from 7-9:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Tickets are $50-$65 and advance registration is required. Information: 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. 678-812-4002, www.atlantajcc.org.
Of note: Diane Starkovich, Ph.D., superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, will receive the 2017 Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) for dedication and commitment to excellence. Nominated by a principal at one of the archdiocesan high schools, Starkovich was chosen from more than 150,000 teachers and administrators, as well as diocesan leaders and organizations dedicated to the nation's Catholic schools. She will be recognized during the annual NCEA 2017 Convention and Expo that will take place April 18-20 in St. Louis, Mo.
Have an event you’d like to publicize? Send an email with all event details, a contact phone number and photo (if available) in the body to: ajcfaithcalendar@gmail.com. You can also post your event at www.ajc.com/calendars.
