JBI Library Announces Expanded Free High Holy Days Offerings for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

Under New Executive Director Michelle Shapiro Abraham, JBI Library Builds on Its Accessible Texts & Programming with Virtual Workshops, Book Clubs, and High Holy Day Materials in Braille, Large Print, and Audio Formats

Deadlines To Order Free Materials by Rosh Hashanah: August 25 for Organizations, September 8 for Individuals

NEW YORK (August 7, 2025) — This High Holy Day season, JBI Library is deepening its commitment to accessibility and connection with an expanded mix of inclusive programming and free materials for people who are blind, have low vision, or have a physical disability or reading disability that makes reading a standard book difficult. In addition to providing free large print, braille, and audio prayer books, calendars, and adult and children’s reads, JBI is hosting virtual workshops, accessible book clubs, and other interactive programs—including a new three-part series exploring the High Holy Days  through sound, taste, and touch.

Orders for free High Holy Day prayerbooks and materials must be placed by August 25 for organizations and September 8 for individuals.

“Our goal is simple,” said JBI Executive Director Michelle Shapiro Abraham, who took the helm earlier this year. “No one should ever feel like Jewish life is out of reach because of a vision or print disability. Whether it’s reading from a large print or braille prayer book, listening to an inspiring audio book, or joining a thought-provoking discussion from home, we’re making it possible for everyone to take part in Jewish life in a way that is personally meaningful.” 

One of the highlights of this year’s offerings is a new program called “Sensing the High Holy Days,” a virtual series led by Professor Eve Keller that invites participants to connect to the season through memory, sensory experience, and shared ritual. The series joins JBI’s other High Holy Day and ongoing programs, including accessible book clubs in English and Russian.

2025 High Holy Day Program Highlights

New! Sensing the High Holy Days

Led by Professor Eve Keller | Virtual (Zoom) | 5:30 PM EDT on Sept. 2, 16, and 30

Session 1 – Elul: Sound: Shofar – Awakening
Session 2 – Rosh Hashanah: Taste: Apples, Honey, New Fruit – Gratitude
Session 3 – Sukkot: Touch: Sukkah, Lulav, Etrog – Precarity & Responsibility 

Professor Eve Keller of Fordham University will lead in exploring how we connect with the Jewish holidays through our senses. In each session, we’ll delve into rich themes, progressing from renewal and forgiveness to freedom and, finally, joy. We will focus on objects central to our celebration, and how our senses enrich our experience. Participants will be invited to bring a treasured object, memory, or melody to enhance our discussions and to help us create shared meaning and connection to the High Holy Days.

To register or learn more about JBI Library’s programming for the High Holy Days and beyond, contact https://jbilibrary.org/programs-events or at our direct library line, 212-545-8025.

Free Accessible High Holy Day Materials in Braille, Large Print, and Audio (Deadline August 25 for Organizations, and September 8 for Individuals)

For patrons who are blind, have low vision, or are print-disabled, JBI continues to offer High Holy Day audio, large print, and braille materials at no cost, including children’s and adult holiday-themed Books, Machzorim (prayerbooks), as well as Selichot and Yahrzeit prayers and JBI’s Jewish reference calendars. To ensure arrival by Rosh Hashanah, materials should be ordered by August 25 for organizations, and by September 8 for individuals. 

Browse more at https://jbilibrary.org/our-library/high-holy-day-materials or request by emailing library@jbilibrary.org.

About JBI

Founded in 1931, JBI Library is a nonprofit organization that supports people of all ages who are blind, have low vision, or have a print disability so that they may fully participate in Jewish life—from education and community to prayer and celebration. Through our vast circulating library, liturgical texts, customized materials, and educational and cultural offerings, we are the heart of a community where our patrons can come for accessible resources, programs, learning and all things that connect us to Jewish life. JBI is committed to making Jewish life open to all, removing barriers so everyone can read, learn, and engage—independently and with dignity.

Learn more or support JBI’s mission at www.jbilibrary.org.