Location: Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond/El Sobrante, California 94803 (Exit FWY 80 on Hilltop Drive. Go toward El Sobrante (up the hill). Turn LEFT at the gas station on to Park Central then LEFT into the parking lot—lots of parking!).  This is a bagel brunch event.  A suggested donation of $5.00 for bagels and other breakfast goodies.

Giovanni is Here centers on the relationship of a young Jewish woman who is hidden by a Catholic family and the struggle to survive World War II after Italy becomes a German occupied country.  Belle, whose pregnancy adds an additional responsibility, earns her keep by making dresses that Maria and Nonna sell and trade on the black market.  The dangers of war, occupation, and survival form the backdrop as Maria and Belle discover their conflicts and ignorance.  These two young women from seemingly opposite worlds, share this time when uncertainty pressed in from all sides. Belle’s husband Benjamin relates his fears as he works with the partisans.  Maria’s fiancé, Carlo changes from an immature joker to a disillusioned veteran and Angelo, finds strength inside himself.  Nonna, who has already been through war, and a lifetime of survival, vows to do whatever she needs in order to save her family.