JBI Library expands High Holy Days offerings for people with disabilities
For the High Holy Days, JBI Library offers inclusive programming and free materials for adults and children who are blind, have low vision, or have a physical disability or reading disability. In addition to providing large-print, braille, and audio prayer books and calendars, JBI will host virtual workshops, accessible book clubs, and other interactive programs
Orders for free High Holy Days prayer books and materials must be placed by Monday, August 25, for organizations and Monday, September 8, for individuals.
“Our goal is simple,” said JBI executive director Michelle Shapiro Abraham. “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.”
A highlight this year is “Sensing the High Holy Days” — on Zoom at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Sept. 2, 16, and 30.
This new virtual program, a series led by Professor Eve Keller of Fordham University, will invite participants to connect to the season through memory, sensory experience, and shared ritual. Each session will present rich themes, progressing from renewal and forgiveness to freedom and, finally, joy. The focus will be on objects central to our celebration; participants are invited to bring a treasured object, memory, or melody to enhance the discussions.
The sessions are: “Elul: Sound: Shofar — Awakening”; “Rosh Hashanah: Taste: Apples, Honey, New Fruit — Gratitude”; “Sukkot: Touch: Sukkah, Lulav, Etrog — Precarity & Responsibility.”
JBI Library, a nonprofit organization that supports people who are blind, have low vision, or have a print disability, continues to offer audio, large-print, and braille materials at no cost, including children’s and adult holiday-themed books, Machzorim (prayerbooks), as well as Selichot and yahrtzeit prayers and JBI’s Jewish reference calendars.
To register for JBI Library’s High Holy Days programming, go to jbilibrary.org/programs-events or call 212-545-8025; or go to jbilibrary.org/our-library/high-holy-day-materials or contact library@jbilibrary.org.
— JBI Library