Executive Director Quarterly Update March 2026

Dear Friends,

Jewish tradition teaches that one should carry two notes: “For my sake the world was created,” and “I am but dust and ashes.” We are called to hold both truths at once—to live in the tension between possibility and humility, between what we can do and how we must do it.

This moment of rapid technological change asks the same of us. Artificial intelligence and new digital tools are transforming how we live and connect. For JBI Library, this moment brings both extraordinary opportunity and deep responsibility. In one “pocket”: technology can expand what is possible. In the other: not everything meaningful is new, and access must remain simple, human, and inclusive.

For much of JBI’s history, producing a single accessible prayerbook could take up to two years—years of careful transcription, formatting, and review. This labor was uniquely intensive, requiring the meticulous integration of Hebrew and English text alongside complex commentary, transliteration, and alternate readings that varied by tradition. It was sacred work, but it meant that individuals who are blind, low vision, or print disabled often had to wait far too long to fully participate in Jewish communal life.

Today, by thoughtfully integrating AI tools alongside the expertise of our staff, we can complete much of this process in just three months. The impact is not only operational—it is deeply human. Access delayed is too often access denied. With this shift, we are able to place essential texts into people’s hands with a speed that begins to match the urgency of their need.

And yet, technology alone is not the answer. Skilled staff and braille readers remain essential to ensure accuracy, integrity, and trust. At the same time, as digital platforms become more sophisticated, they can unintentionally create new barriers for people who prefer using low-tech methods that feel more comfortable and accessible to them.

So we are also making a different kind of move: not only forward into innovation, but back toward simplicity. We are expanding phone access to our virtual community programs so that joining can be as immediate and familiar as making a call. What might otherwise require navigating email, links and screens can instead become a direct, accessible connection to community.

This is the balance we are striving to hold: embracing innovation while ensuring accessibility, advancing possibility while staying grounded in human connection. It is not about choosing between the two, but about carrying both with intention.

Your support makes this work possible. Because of you, we are not only moving faster—we are reaching further, ensuring that more people can learn, pray, and connect in ways that are meaningful and accessible.  Below I am pleased to share a few current highlights of our work. If you have any questions, I hope you will reach out.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and freeing Passover, filled with connection, reflection, and hope.

With gratitude,

Michelle

Some highlights of our current work

Ambassadors Program – In February we launched our Ambassador Program, inviting community members to learn about JBI Library and reach out to their local organizations to ensure that everyone who needs JBI Library finds us.   We have 13 volunteers currently serving as JBI Ambassadors in their communities which include Pittsburgh, the DC area, Baltimore, St. Louis, Los Angeles, San Diego, Westchester, Broward County (FL), Virginia Beach, New York City, Long Island, and different communities in New Jersey.  JBI’s Outreach Coordinator and Head Librarian are deeply engaged in the efforts of our ambassadors, providing training and support.  We look forward to sharing updates on this new initiative as their work deepens.

Offering our First Image-Described Graphic Novel in Audio and Braille – We are thrilled to announce the release of our first-ever image-described graphic novel, Let There Be Light: The Real Story of Her Creation by the acclaimed cartoonist Liana Finck. Graphic novels are a vital part of the modern Jewish cultural landscape, yet they have often been inaccessible to our community. By providing image description, readers who are blind, have low vision, or have print disabilities can fully engage with this vibrant genre of Jewish storytelling. The book is fully image-described, with immersive sound effects where appropriate. We have also created a braille version that includes written image descriptions for those who prefer the hardcopy reading experience of imagining the voices themselves but want the full illustrative effect. We will be adding three more graphic novels to the collection over the course of the year and have a group of volunteers being trained in creating image descriptions. This project underscores JBI’s dedicated effort to diversify its catalog and ensure its patrons of all ages have access to the same diverse literary trends as their sighted peers.

Braille and Large Print Haggadot – Passover is fundamentally built on the commandment to retell the story of our journey from slavery to freedom.  For a person who is blind, has low vision, or who has a print disability, the seder can be a source of unintended isolation. While family and friends gather to read from the Haggadah, individuals who cannot read standard print are often left unable to follow along, let alone lead.  Each year, in the weeks leading up to Passover, we work hard to reach more members of the community who could benefit from JBI’s free services but may not be aware that they exist.  With your help, we were able to produce and distribute free large print and braille Haggadot to more than 1,200 individuals who are blind or low vision in time for the Seders, ensuring that they can fully participate in the mitzvah of telling the Passover story.