JBI Library has expanded its free collection of accessible prayer books, liturgical materials, digital resources and community programming, helping people who are blind, have low vision or have a print disability fully participate in the High Holy Days.
New this year from JBI is a braille edition of Machzor Lev Shalem, the Conservative movement’s High Holy Day prayer book, as well as braille and large-print aliyah (call to the Torah) cards featuring the blessings recited at the bimah before and after Torah readings.
In addition to physical materials, JBI offers a growing collection of downloadable prayers and liturgical resources that can be accessed through its website, helping patrons prepare for or participate in services wherever they are. JBI recently partnered with Rabbi Lenny Sarko and the Devarim Institute to offer their e-braille edition of Mishkan HaNefesh, the Reform movement’s machzor for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Designed specifically for refreshable braille displays, the e-braille edition allows users to quickly search, navigate and jump directly to prayers and readings in either Hebrew or English.
Other available materials include large-print Orthodox, Conservative and Russian High Holy Day prayer books; Yizkor services and other holiday liturgy in accessible formats; and braille and large-print Jewish reference calendars, as well as a large-print Russian version.
JBI also offers PJ Library’s A Time to Grow: A Family Guide for Starting the Jewish New Year, and other children’s High Holy Day resources.
In addition to its mailed braille, large-print and audio materials, JBI is highlighting its growing collection of free digital downloads, allowing users to instantly access many of the High Holy Days’ most frequently used prayers and texts. Resources include Yizkor, Tashlich, Selichot, Kiddush, Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) and other holiday liturgy, providing flexible options for individuals and congregations alike.
All High Holy Day materials are provided free of charge to eligible patrons who are blind, have low vision, or have a physical or reading disability that makes reading standard print difficult. JBI also provides accessible sacred texts at no cost to synagogues, JCCs, nursing homes and other Jewish organizations, because financial constraints should never prevent individuals or communities from fully participating in Jewish life.
To ensure delivery before Rosh Hashanah, orders should be placed by Aug. 28, for both organizations and individuals. To browse materials, place an order or download prayers, visit jbilibrary.org/our-library/high-holy-day-materials.
Beyond its library services, JBI will also host free virtual programs that invite participants to explore Jewish traditions, literature and culture together throughout the High Holy Day season. This year’s virtual programming includes The Magic of Tashlich (Casting Away) on Sept. 3, 9:30 a.m. – exploring the 600-year-old tradition of Tashlich, in which Jews symbolically cast away the previous year’s mistakes by tossing breadcrumbs into flowing water – and The Art of Ushpizim (Welcoming Holy Guests) on Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m., which explores the mystical tradition of Ushpizim, the symbolic welcoming of honoured spiritual guests into the sukkah. JBI will also host its virtual book club on Oct. 1, at 2 p.m., featuring author Dara Horn’s novel Eternal Life, an exploration of faith, family, mortality and what it means to live a meaningful life.
Founded in 1931, JBI Library (formerly known as the Jewish Braille Institute and JBI International) is a nonprofit organization serving more than 25 countries. It strives to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion, so that everyone can read, learn and engage independently and with dignity.
Visit jbilibrary.org for more information. You can also contact JBI’s librarians at library@jbilibrary.org or 212-545-8025.
– Courtesy JBI Library