Notes from the Levy Library

Special formats for Pesach

– column updated 2/27/26

Free Large Print, Braille, and Audio Haggadot

As Passover approaches, JBI Library is once again making it possible for people who are blind, have low vision or have other print disabilities to fully participate in the holiday. This year’s Passover offerings include free accessible Haggadot in multiple formats, the expansion of braille options and new customization features for large print materials.

This year JBI is also offering expanded flexibility in their large print offerings. JBI’s standard large print format uses Tahoma font, with Hebrew text in size 30 and English text in size 22. Upon request, the text can be produced in even larger sizes or in reverse contrast, with white text on a black background, an option that can make reading easier and more comfortable for some individuals.
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.

All Haggadot are provided free of charge to individuals and should be requested by March 18, 2026 to ensure delivery in time for Passover. For organizations planning to host communal seders and seeking larger quantities of accessible materials, requests should be submitted by March 4, 2026. To request a free accessible Haggadah or to learn more about JBI Library’s Passover offerings, visit www.jbilibrary.org, call 800-999-6476 or email haggadah@jbilibrary.org.

Latest Recommendations from the Second Sunday Book Club

We met on February 8 and had a wide-ranging discussion of the books we shared. Here are a few of our selections. Mitch Albom fans will be happy to learn of his latest novel, Twice, a love story that hinges on the protagonist’s ability to get a second chance at everything. Canadian author Brian Doyle’s middle grade novel, Angel Square, told with heart, should resonate with anyone who has experienced bullying. UK children’s nonfiction author/illustrator Allan Drummond travels to many countries to document positive solutions to global problems; in Zero Waste he takes the reader to Kamikatsu, Japan, to show how this small community is leading a world recycling revolution. I may have already told you about Uri Shulevitz’s young adult memoir, Chance, but I will take every opportunity to promote this extraordinary book. Shulevitz, a famous children’s book author and illustrator, chronicles his life from four to twelve, as he and his parents escape Warsaw in 1939 and spend eight years on the road, mostly in the Soviet Union. It’s a difficult and dangerous existence but they survive – and most of their relatives do not. Ask me for his books – we have several in the library.

Finally, I expect that many of you are familiar with Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel memoir, Persepolis, about her girlhood in Iran during the 1979 Revolution.

Another of our shared readings was a recent essay by a writer who decided to share Persepolis – a very young adult/adult book – with his sensitive seven-year-old! When would this be appropriate!? Maybe when Iranian missiles are zooming overhead and he needs her to understand what’s going on. I urge you all to read this brief essay by Jake D. Sauls, “Reading ‘Persepolis’ in Jerusalem” in the online Judith Magazine: https://judithmagazine.substack.com/p/reading-persepolis-in-jerusalem

Our next meeting is Sunday, March 15, at 1:00 – the THIRD Sunday – because I am not available on our usual meeting day. Email me for the Zoom link if you’d like to join us to talk about your reading.

Shabbat Shalom, and happy reading!

Your Librarian, Annette

Do visit our online catalog https://stti-hl.mimas.opalsinfo.net/bin/home#0. You can also get there via the Temple web site https://sephardictemple.org/ — click on the “Learning” tab and choose “Temple Library.” Get to know your Levy Library – there’s lots to discover!

Librarian: Annette Goldsmith. Email: library@sephardictemple.org