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JBI Library Offers Free Passover Haggadot and Programming to Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision or Other Print Disabilities
Free “Passover 101” Programs March 27 and April 1 (Part of JBI’s virtual and in-person “Judaism 101 Learning Series”)
NEW YORK (March 6, 2025) – JBI Library, a Jewish organization that supports people who are blind, have low vision, or have print disabilities, invites individuals to take part in its free Passover offerings, including complimentary accessible large print, braille, and audio Haggadot (17 different editions) and inclusive virtual and in-person “Passover 101” programming.
“During Passover, we sit together with family and friends and read the story of the Jews’ Exodus from Egypt from the Haggadah,” said JBI Executive Director Livia Thompson. “The act of reading this ancient story in parallel with Jews sitting at other tables around the world creates a sense of warmth and connection. For those with blindness, low vision, or other print disabilities, however, not being able to partake in this communal experience can instead feel very isolating. Whether leading a seder or asking the Four Questions for the first time, everyone deserves the opportunity to engage in the Passover story and feel a true sense of belonging—our accessible editions help make that possible.”
Maxine S., the niece of a longtime JBI patron from Canada added, “My aunt has not been able to enjoy a seder in years due to visual impairment. Thanks to the large print Haggadah from JBI, a beloved family member can now fully participate in the family seder.”
To learn more or to request a free* large print, braille, or audio Haggadah for you or someone you know or love, please visit JBI’s website at www.jbilibrary.org, call 800-999-6476, or email haggadah@jbilibrary.org. Please note that in order to receive a free Haggadah in time for this year’s Passover Seder, orders must be placed no later than March 28, 2025.
*Haggadot are free for individuals. For institutions requesting Haggadot, NYC-based nonprofits may qualify for free materials thanks to a grant from NYCT. Organizations and businesses located outside of New York City may request materials for a modest fee used to cover production costs.
JBI Library 2025 Passover Offerings
Accessible Haggadot (Large Print, Braille, and Audio)
- 17 different versions, including Haggadot in several languages, denominations, as well as a Haggadah “digest” for communal seders, perfect for use in settings such as nursing homes. Request 800-999-6476 or haggadah@jbilibrary.org.
- The “Mishkan HaSeder” from the CCAR Press
- PJ Library’s Family Haggadah (plus audio version for families who want to study the text and songs in advance of the holiday)
- The Chabad Haggadah
Judaism 101: Passover Programming
- As part of its ongoing “Judaism 101 Learning Series,” JBI will be offering free, accessible in-person and virtual programming entitled “Passover 101,” which will discuss the themes and customs of Passover. Register at jbilibrary.org/catalog/judaism-101.
- “Passover 101” (in-person), March 26 at 4:30 PM ET in New York City, led by chef Lana Flame
- “Passover 101” (virtual Zoom) April 1 at 4:30 PM ET, led by Rabbi Gabrielle Cohn
About JBI
Founded in 1931, JBI Library is a nonprofit organization that supports people of all ages and backgrounds who are blind, have low vision, or have print disabilities to fully participate and feel connected to all aspects of Jewish life, from culture, education, and community to religious practice. JBI is committed to increasing accessibility and inclusion so that anyone who wants to connect to Jewish life can access and engage with the written word, independently and without obstacles, to participate, celebrate, learn, and pray.
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. Alongside its vast circulating library, liturgical texts, customized materials, and educational and cultural offerings, JBI advocates on behalf of inclusivity and accessibility. In addition to serving individuals directly, JBI helps groups and organizations to meet the accessibility needs of their communities by providing a range of services, including transcribing and producing custom texts into braille, audio, and large print formats.
To learn more, visit www.jbilibrary.org or contact JBI’s librarians at 212-545-8025 or 1-800-433-1531.
