Housed in a wood-shingled mansion, the Judah L. Magnes Museum (2911 Russell St., Berkeley, 510-549-6950 closed Friday and Saturday) has a permanent collection of ceremonial objects, coins and medals, Holocaust artifacts, Torah binders and a 7,500-book library. Also on site is the Western Jewish History Center, an archive and research center that preserves original manuscripts and institutional records from 13 Western states, some dating from the Gold Rush era.

Jewish Bulletin of Northern California (415-263-7200) is a weekly publication of local, national and international news, opinion, arts and events.

A Traveler's Guide to Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries of the California Gold Rush by Susan Morris is a 99-page self-guided tour of seven cemeteries in historic Gold Rush towns. Available from Judah Magnes Museum (510-549-6950).

Independent Jewish Film: A Resource Guide, available from the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival (510-548-0556)

Nazi-era cloth Star of David from the Judah L. Magnes Museum