JBI Library Shares April-June Programs
Connecting anyone who is blind, has low vision or has a print disability to Jewish life
Note: If you have any access needs, require ASL interpretation, or prefer to register via email or phone, please reach out to us at register@jbilibrary.org or 646-616-3929.
Programs:
Stitched & Sewn: A Holocaust Remembrance Day Program
Thursday, April 24 at 4:30pm EST
Virtual (Zoom), Free
Join us virtually for a deeply moving Yom HaShoah program on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 4:30 pm ET as we explore the powerful story of resilience and remembrance found within Jody Savin's "Stitched and Sewn." Using traditional Yemeni embroidery, Holocaust survivor Trudie Strobel created powerful tapestries from her memories featured in this book. This special event will feature a discussion centered on Trudie Strobel’s extraordinary life, as chronicled in the book, and the poignant artwork that accompanies her narrative.
We will delve into Trudie's experiences, her strength, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind. This is an opportunity to honor the memory of the Holocaust through the lens of one woman's remarkable journey, and to reflect on the importance of preserving these stories for future generations. “Stitched and Sewn” is now also available in our collection in audio format. Please reach out to our librarians if you’d like to request and visit the New Releases section of the newsletter below to read more about it.
Register for free
Memoir Series Part One: Memoir Writing Workshop
Monday, May 12, 4:30-5:30pm EST
Virtual (Zoom), FREE
Join us on Monday, May 12th, for a day of creativity, introspection, and community gathering. As the first part of our new memoir series, writer Julia Edelman will take you through guided meditation and journaling prompts to help you reflect and explore. Express memories and moments and see where your writing leads you. Surprise yourself with what will be unearthed. Participants will have the opportunity to share what they've written with other members of the group.
You don't need to be a writer or professional artist for this workshop, and you don't need to prepare anything beforehand! Just come with curiosity and a desire to create. This is a chance to meet others looking for a way to ground, connect and share work. If you would like to audio record your responses rather than write them, that is also possible. The workshop is intended to be as accessible as possible. Please let us know of any helpful modifications beforehand.
Memoir Series Part Two: “My Childhood in Pieces” with Edward Hirsch
Wednesday, June 11, at 4:30pm EST
Virtual (Zoom), FREE
Join us on Wednesday, June 11 at 4:30pm EST for part two of JBI Library’s memoir series, as acclaimed poet Edward Hirsch reads excerpts from his newly released memoir “My Childhood in Pieces”, followed by a discussion of the writing process, the peculiarities of memoir writing, and questions from the audience. In “My Childhood in Pieces”, dark comic microbursts of prose deliver a whole childhood, at the hands of an aspiring middle-class Jewish family whose hard-boiled American values and wit were the forge of a poet’s coming-of-age.
Series: Social History of Jewish Food: Co-Hosted by JBI Library and ACB, led by Rabbi Andrew Goodman
Wednesday, May 21, at 3pm EST
Wednesday, June 4, at 3pm EST
Wednesday, June 18, at 3pm EST
Join us and members of the ACB for the first in a three-part series, "Social History of Jewish Food," facilitated by Rabbi Andrew Goodman on Wednesday, May 21 at 3 pm ET. Dive into the rich culinary traditions and cultural significance of Jewish cuisine, as we explore the historical and social contexts that have shaped these beloved dishes. Using the book "Eat and Be Satisfied," this program promises to be a delightful journey through the stories and importance of Jewish food. Each program in this series will focus on a different time period in history. Feel free to join us for any or all the programs in this series!
Please note: The book “Eat and Be Satisfied” is available to request at JBI Library. If you are not a patron with us, please feel free to reach out to our library at 212-545-8025 or library@jbilibrary.org and they will be happy to help you access the book.
Founded in 1931, JBI is a nonprofit organization that enables people of all ages and backgrounds who are blind, have low vision, or are print disabled to fully participate and feel connected to all aspects of Jewish life, from culture, education, and community to religious practice. We are 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. All materials are provided free of charge and delivered directly to our patrons.