JBI Library Expands Accessible High Holy Day Resources with New Braille Prayer Books, Free Digital Downloads, and Community Programming

Jul 30, 2026 by The Jewish Voice And Opinion Staff

NEW YORK (July 30, 2026) — With the Jewish High Holy Days quickly approaching, 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 one of the most meaningful times of the Jewish year.

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 cards featuring the blessings recited at the bimah before and after Torah readings.

In addition to physical materials mailed free of charge, JBI also offers a growing collection of downloadable prayers and liturgical resources that can be accessed instantly through its website, helping patrons prepare for or participate in services wherever they are. JBI is pleased to have 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.

“No one should be excluded from the High Holy Days because they can’t access the prayer books or materials they need,” said Michelle Shapiro Abraham, Executive Director of JBI Library. “Whether someone prefers braille, large print, audio, or digital materials, our goal is to remove barriers so every person can pray, reflect, learn, and connect with the Jewish community in the way that works best for them.”

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.

Accessible High Holy Day Resources Available Free of Charge

JBI’s collection spans multiple Jewish traditions and formats, ensuring that individuals and organizations—including synagogues, community centers, hospitals, senior living communities, and other Jewish institutions alike can find resources that meet their needs. Available materials include:

NEW: Machzor Lev Shalem (Conservative) in braille
NEW: Mishkan HaNefesh in e-braille for use with refreshable braille displays from NLS (the National Library Service)
NEW: Aliyah cards with blessings read on the bimah before and after Torah readings, in large print and braille
Mishkan HaNefesh (Reform) in braille and audio
Traditional High Holy Day machzorim in braille, large print, and audio
Mishkan HaLev Selichot materials in braille
Large-print Orthodox, Conservative, and Russian High Holy Day prayer books
PJ Library’s A Time to Grow: A Family Guide for Starting the Jewish New Year
Children’s High Holy Day resources
Yizkor services and other holiday liturgy in accessible formats
Braille and large print Jewish reference calendars, as well as a large print Russian version

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 August 28 for both organizations and individuals. To browse materials, place an order, or download prayers, visit: https://jbilibrary.org/our-library/high-holy-day-materials

New High Holy Day Programs Explore Jewish Traditions and Bring People Together

This year’s virtual programming includes Customs of the High Holy Days, a two-part online series exploring some of Judaism’s most unusual and enduring traditions. Designed for participants of all backgrounds, each informal session combines engaging historical insights with lively conversation about the customs that have shaped Jewish holiday observance for generations. They include:

The Magic of Tashlich (Casting Away) Thursday, September 3 (12:30–1:15 PM ET)
Participants will explore the 600-year-old tradition of Tashlich, in which Jews symbolically cast away the previous year’s mistakes by tossing breadcrumbs into flowing water. The discussion will examine the origins of the custom, its evolution across Jewish communities, and the universal theme of beginning the new year with reflection and renewal.
The Art of Ushpizim (Welcoming Holy Guests) Thursday, September 24 (12:30–1:15 p.m. ET)
Held just before Sukkot, this session explores the mystical tradition of Ushpizim, the symbolic welcoming of honored spiritual guests into the sukkah. The conversation will use this centuries-old custom as a starting point for discussing hospitality, memory, and the people who continue to shape our lives.
JBI will also host its popular virtual book club on Thursday, October 1, at 5:00 p.m. ET, exploring author Dara Horn’s acclaimed novel Eternal Life, a thought-provoking exploration of faith, family, mortality, and what it means to live a meaningful life. More information will be available at https://jbilibrary.org/programs-events.

To learn more about JBI’s High Holy Day resources and programs, place an order, or request assistance, please visit jbilibrary.org/our-library/high-holy-day-materials or contact JBI’s librarians at library@jbilibrary.org or 212-545-8025.

About JBI

Founded in 1931, JBI Library is a nonprofit organization that supports anyone who is blind, has low vision, or has a print disability so that they may fully participate in Jewish life—from education and community to prayer and celebration. More than a source for books and texts, JBI is the heart of a community where patrons can come for resources, cultural programs, learning, and all things that connect people to Jewish faith, culture, and community. Serving more than 11,000 patrons living in all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 25 countries around the world, JBI strives to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion, so that everyone can read, learn, and engage independently and with dignity. To learn more, visit www.jbilibrary.org.