The October 27 Archive currently contains 1476 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.
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.
Western Pennsylvanians share their life stories and reflect on the impact of an antisemitic attack in a beloved Jewish neighborhood.
Documentation of the October 27 attack as it was unfolding, told through news articles and oral histories.
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The note is written in Hebrew. Translated into English, the message reads: "May their memories be for a blessing. May God avenge their blood."
Post-it note with handwritten message and illustration. The message reads, in Hebrew: "Am Yisrael Chai (The People of Israel Live)." A large heart and smaller Star of David appear in the upper and lower center.
Cover of bencher (grace after meals booklet) from the bar mitzvah of Nate Itskowitz. Features illustration of a black and yellow sports jersey with the name Itskowitz, a Steelers logo modified to read "Nate" and the date "10-27-18," and Hebrew text listing the event and date.
Prayer sheet for a memorial service at Beth Israel Congregation in Washington, Pa. Includes poem titled "Elijah," words to Psalm 121 in Hebrew and English, and a traditional blessing for mourners known as "Hamakom yenachem" presented in Hebrew, transliterated Hebrew, and English.
Printed pamphlet in blue, white, and black ink on blue and white paper. The front cover reads, in English and Hebrew: "Messiah Revealed." The inner panels contain ten biblical prooftexts in support of the claim that the Hebrew Bible foretold the coming of the messiah, "Yeshua" (Jesus).
Typed memorial note in honor of Richard Gottfried. The author recalls personal details about Gottfried's identity as a Jew and his commitment to the field of dentistry.
Title page from Haggadah used during Passover service. Includes six stamps listing "A. Goldstein, 199 4th Ave. Pittsburgh, Pa."
Folded card with the "Stronger Than Hate" graphic printed in black and white on the front cover. The names of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack are written inside, followed by the following promise: "Rest in peace [heart]. I promise to fight for a world where love prevails hate." An additional message appears on the back: "May we fight to ensure this NEVER happens again. Ahava (love)." It concludes with the names of the eleven victims.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front cover shows an upper and lower case "H." The inside features an illustration of two stick figures.
Page of blank stationery. Navy blue printing on white paper. Header read, "Congregation Oher Chodosh 79-81 Roberts Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 195_."
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front cover reads: "From Eli [last name redacted] Chicago, Il." The inside reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live), We were all so sad when he heard the news. We all hope very soon there will be tichiat hameitim (resurrection of the dead). My hachlata (resolution) is to look in my siddur (prayer book) while I daven (pray)." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Print outs with English and Hebrew lyrics from popular Jewish and Israeli artists and poets, including Hannah Szenes (Senesh), Arik Einstein, Matisyahu, and Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. A handwritten note in blue ink reading "May your memory be eternal" appears on the second page.
Bilingual note written in black ink on lined notebook paper. The message reads in both Hebrew and English: "You are Loved. You are not forgotten." Signed with a Star of David.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live): I am very sorry that 11 of 10 people (Jewish) got shot. It's mamash (really) a very big tragedy. I will try to do everything I can to bring moshiach (the Messiah) and t'echias hamaisim (resurrection of the dead). And the cops tried shoot him and catch him but, there was no use. The robber already shot 11 people. Thank g-d they shot him.
Full color printed program for "The Numbers Keep Changing." Includes artist's statement, reproductions of seven paintings with accompanying poems, photographs of the exhibition opening, and media coverage of the exhibit. Additional images shows painting "El Kiddush Hashem."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "We love you. We are here for you." Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Typed bilingual Hebrew and English letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. In English, the letter reads: "Dear Rabbi, I am very sorry for what happened in your shul. I hope everyone that got injured will heal quickly. I hope that it will never happen again. Sincerely, Max [last name redacted] From Hebrew Academy."
Typed memorial note in honor of Joyce Fienberg. The author recalls personal details about Joyce's research career at the University of Pittsburgh and her caring personality.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front cover of the card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live)." The card reads: "I feel so bad for you from now and there should be no more bad stuff and moshiach (the Messiah) should come right now!" The acronym "B"SD" (with the help of heaven) appears on the upper right corner of the left fold. There are two illustrations of large smiley faces wearing t-shirts with smiley faces and yarmulkes (skullcaps) with the Hebrew word moshiach (the Messiah).
Terms of Use
The October 27 Archive collects responses to an antisemitic attack in Pittsburgh, Pa. on October 27, 2018. These responses take many forms but share a motivating impulse. Each began in the mind and heart of someone who was moved by the events of that day and was compelled to create something meaningful from that feeling. By sharing these responses, those people chose to be vulnerable for the sake of a greater good. The October 27 Archive website was launched with the belief that sharing these responses with the world can provide an avenue for people all over the world to reflect, learn, and heal.
By entering this website, you agree to honor the spirit in which these responses were created and in which they are being shared with the world.
The materials on this website are being made available exclusively for research purposes. For permission to use any of the materials on this website for any other purpose, please contact the archive. If you are the creator of any of the material on this website, and you would like to provide context or request to have something removed, please contact the archive. If you intend to reference any material found on this website, please attribute all citations to the Rauh Jewish Archives, so that other researchers can easily locate these materials in the future.