The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1333 objects and is regularly being expanded with more material. The archive includes flyers and programs from community gatherings held since the October 27 attack, a comprehensive collection of news coverage about the day of the event, oral history recordings reflecting a diverse array of experiences, and historical documentation about the Jewish experience in Western Pennsylvania.

Using this archive

You can view all the materials currently included in the archive using the browser below. Each object has been described and cataloged to help you discover materials, learn about these materials, understand the context in which these materials were created, and draw connections between different materials. You can refine the browsing experience using various filters, including creator, type, and subject. Some of these filters have already been used to create preset galleries, each organized around specific aspects of the archive. You can also look for specific words and phrase found in the archive using a keyword search.

 

View the collection

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Photograph showing selection of archival materials
Photo Credit
Photograph by Carly Lough

The Archive

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1333 objects and is regularly being expanded with more material. The archive includes flyers and programs from community gatherings held since the October 27 attack, a comprehensive collection of news coverage about the day of the event, oral history recordings reflecting a diverse array of experiences, and historical documentation about the Jewish experience in Western Pennsylvania.

Using this archive

You can view all the materials currently included in the archive using the browser below. Each object has been described and cataloged to help you discover materials, learn about these materials, understand the context in which these materials were created, and draw connections between different materials. You can refine the browsing experience using various filters, including creator, type, and subject. Some of these filters have already been used to create preset galleries, each organized around specific aspects of the archive. You can also look for specific words and phrase found in the archive using a keyword search.

Galleries

Galleries are pre-selected filters that provide a glimpse into the depth and breadth of the October 27 collection.
  • Oral Histories

    Western Pennsylvanians share their life stories and reflect on the impact of an antisemitic attack in a beloved Jewish neighborhood.

  • Breaking News

    Documentation of the October 27 attack as it was unfolding, told through news articles and oral histories.

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Language – Cards

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  • Showing 1060 results for 
  • 1970x
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Gifts

Friendship Circle of Illinois card (12)

Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front of the card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live)." The inside reads: "I have [heard] about the terrible news that happened and I feel very very bad for you. I hope moshiach (the Messiah) should come now so we could join with them now!!!" Multiple stars of David and smiley faces are integrated into the text of this card. Spelling errors corrected for clarity.

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Gifts

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (06)

Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of seven children holding hands around a table with a large goblet and loaf of braided bread, and seven doves. The illustration is labeled: "We are people of God's peace." The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Members, We are all praying for you and your losses. Please join in our prayers for the police officers injured. From Holy Angels CCD."

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Gifts

The Church at Severn Run card (64)

Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note is enclosed in an envelope with church letterhead, reading: "The Church at Severn Run: Love Well, Live Jesus, Believe Big!" The note inside has faded due to water damage; the remaining text reads: "Hello we would like to send some thoughts, love, and positivity during this time because you matter." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (091)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To the Tree of Life Community, We are praying for you in San Diego and sending you blessings through this difficult time. God is with you and holding your members who passed in His loving hand. May His light fill your hearts during these dark times and remind you of His love even through the things we cannot explain. Bless you, Gresham." An illustration of a tree filled with hearts appears below.

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (22)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The cover contains the following quote: "The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power." An illustration of three stick figures raising their hands, standing on a large rock with a Star of David at the center, before a mountainous landscape with a large sun and clouds, appears on the bottom center. The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I'm very sorry about what has happen[ed]. I do know that people are also very sorry.

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (079)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Friends, The loss you feel must be beyond my comprehension. I am so very sorry for your tragedy. My prayer is that God will somehow us this to make his face known. I also pray that you will experience emotional and physical healing. These events have reminded me of the frail nature of our earthly bodies. I am confident that God has prepared a plan for us all where we will be freed from our own flesh and all pain will be gone. Love, Blake."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (048)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/18 and reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, Please accept our heartfelt condolences in the loss of your beloved congregation members, from our congregation at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, CA. In LA, I grew up living next to a Rabbi (Marvin Bornstein) and his dear family. He was familiar with loss as well, having left medical school in Vienna at the onset of WW II. I learned from his example of love, tolerance and peace.

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Gifts

The Church at Severn Run card (18)

Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note is enclosed in an envelope with church letterhead, reading: "The Church at Severn Run: Love Well, Live Jesus, Believe Big!" The note inside reads: "Love conquers all!! You are a child of God, therefore, you are loved. Continue to pray and worship. Please don't let hate win, love will overpower through all. Jenna [last name redacted]. YOU ARE LOVED!" The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.