JBI Expands Accessible High Holy Days Programming for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

To Foster Jewish Learning, Reflection, and Connection, JBI to Offer FREE Rosh Hashanah Events, High Holy Day Book Clubs, and Large-Print, Braille, and Audio Children’s and Adult Holiday Books, Machzorim, Prayer Books & Calendars

NEW YORK – JBI, the nonprofit enabling access to Jewish life for individuals who are blind, have visual impairments, or print disabilities, is expanding its programming this year with a slate of free accessible virtual and in-person programs and holiday books and texts in an effort to ensure that anyone with visual or print impairments can fully participate in and feel connected for High Holy Days.

“Access to texts and religious materials are such an important part of participation in Jewish life, and critical for anyone wishing to celebrate Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur,” said JBI Executive Director Livia Thompson. “Whether reading from a Machzor in prayer, enjoying a discussion around a thought-provoking book during the preparatory month of Elul, or joining fellow congregants in song at synagogue, Jews rely on written materials to feel connected to their community.”

While the nearly century-old organization has always provided accessible books and liturgical materials at no cost to its patrons through its vast circulating library, liturgical catalog, and custom services, it is excited to invite anyone interested in the High Holy Days to take part in its new accessible programming, including virtual book clubs around High Holy Days–themed reads, and two kick-off events from its Judaism 101 series: “Intro to Rosh Hashanah” with JBI Chief Operating Officer, Rabbi Andrew Goodman (virtual, September 10, 2024), and “Tastes and Sounds of Rosh Hashanah” with chef Lana Flame (in-person, NYC, September 24, 2024).

“JBI is so much more than a place to find accessible materials. It’s a community of people actively engaged in Jewish life and learning. It’s a welcoming place where anyone interested in any aspect of what we do can participate,” said Rabbi Goodman. “Our new Judaism 101 programming is inspired by this inclusive and, frankly, fun, part of what we do. We also have a poetry series, book clubs, a Jewish Voices on Democracy initiative—we’re exploring Jewish ideas, history, culture, and everyone is invited.”

As always, JBI’s circulating library, liturgical offerings, events, and programs are completely free of charge for its patrons and JBI encourages anyone who is blind, visually impaired, or has a print disability to reach out to JBI to take advantage of its complimentary offerings, resources, and inclusive and engaged community. 

Full list of High Holy Day programs and offerings

Programs

• “Intro to Rosh Hashanah (virtual, September 10, 2024): The first of a special three-part Judaism 101 series led by JBI’s Rabbi Andrew Goodman for anyone interested in learning more about Jewish life and practice or sharing it with others. Register at https://jbilibrary.org/catalog/judaism-101/.
• “Tastes & Sounds of Rosh Hashanah” (in-person, NYC, September 25, 2024): An in-person gathering led by chef Lana Flame celebrating the beginning of the Jewish year with joy and sweetness. Drinks and treats provided! Register at https://jbilibrary.org/catalog/judaism-101/.
• Book Clubs: Offered in both English and Russian, JBI book groups are open to new members and will be discussing texts related to the High Holy Days this fall. Sign up directly at https://jbilibrary.org/catalog/book-club/ or email JBI librarians at library@jbilibrary.org to sign up. 

Accessible Materials in Large Print, Braille, and Audio

In addition to these special programs, JBI continues to offer its patrons access to an ever-expanding circulating library, liturgical texts, and customized materials in braille, large-print, and audio formats that are delivered at no-cost. A few examples relevant to the High Holy Days are below and a full list at https://jbilibrary.org/.

For adults: 

• “Days of Awe” by S.Y. Agnon (midrash and fiction)
• “The Voice of Sarah” by Tamar Frankiel (nonfiction) 
• “Mishkan HaLev: Prayers for S’lichot and the Month of Elul” (braille)
• JBI Jewish Reference Calendar (braille and large print)

For children: 

• “Apples Apples All Year Round” by Barbara Bletz and June Sobel
• “The Shofar That Lost its Voice” by David Fass

For more information on JBI’s inclusive High Holy Days offerings or other work for those who are visually impaired, blind, or print-disabled, please contact library@jbilibrary.org.

About JBI
JBI, established in 1931 as The Jewish Braille Institute, is a nonprofit organization that enables people of all ages and backgrounds who are blind, have low vision, or are print disabled to connect to and participate fully in Jewish cultural, literary, educational, religious, and communal life. JBI creates, publishes, and distributes thousands of Jewish-interest materials in audio, braille, and large print, and sends them free of charge directly to patrons’ doorsteps. Through its vast circulating library, liturgical texts, customized materials, and cultural offerings, JBI continues to innovate and empower communities and encourage a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. To learn more, visit: www.jbilibrary.org