
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "There is no good way to express the grief and horror our community feels. We will continue to mourn with you." The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with multicolored flowers in the lower right corner. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Handwritten letter written in green ink on white coloring paper, folded in half, from Lizzie, age twenty. Addressed to Lizzie's community in Pittsburgh. Lizzie explains her impulse to write this letter: "I'm not sure how to put this in words, but I do know that I have the urge to send something." Lizzie identifies herself as Jewish in her card. Tearing in upper center may be due to exposure to the elements sustained at the Wilkins memorial.
Handwritten note written in brown marker on green coloring paper reading: "Let there be love and light in this world. Our thoughts are with this community. We send our love, light and peace. C. [last name redacted]."
Handwritten letter written in black pencil on pink coloring paper folded in half from the Dillon family. The letter inside is addressed to God, referred to as "Heavenly Father." The Dillon family pray for healing, comfort, and unity. The envelope is addressed to Tree of Life, written in blue pencil.
Typed two-page letter addressed to the Tree of Life synagogue, families of victims, and survivors. Dated Sunday Nov. 4, 2018. The letter includes tributes from multiple individuals throughout western and central Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Beaver, Elk, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
Printed text of the Hebrew poem "Shalom Aleichem," which is traditionally recited on Friday evenings to welcome the Sabbath angels. Translated into English here. Some of the text in the first line of the final stanza has been cut off. Staining and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Sophia and another individual whose name is illegible. The tag is dated 10-29-2018 and reads: "You are in our prayers and thoughts. I'll walk with you in your support." The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with multicolored flowers in the lower right corner. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Paul and Namoi [last name redacted]. The tag reads: "Praying for comfort for all who mourn. Isaiah 6, verse 2. Our sincerest condolences and love. Paul and Namoi [last name redacted]." Message is written in black ink on a printed tag with white lillies on the left edge.
Typed two-page letter addressed to the Tree of Life synagogue, families of victims, and survivors. Dated Sunday Nov. 18, 2024. Contains tributes from multiple individuals throughout western and central Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Beaver, Elk, and Washington counties, as well as a couple from Pacific Grove, Ca. The second page has since been lost.
Handwritten letter written in black ink on lined notebook paper from Michelle. Michelle is a lifelong Pittsburgher whose mother worked in Squirrel Hill when Sophie Masloff, Pittsburgh's first Jewish and female mayor, was in office. Michelle recalls her mother's pride in serving Masloff. Michelle notes that she is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and currently lives in Squirrel Hill. She apologizes for being "neglectful" of her ties with the Jewish community. She wrote this letter to extend "my very friendly hello" and to communicate her solidarity.
Handwritten "Prayer of St. Francis" written in black ink on white paper, glued to cardboard. Warping due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Typed poem by Sylvan Kametz and Rabbi Jack Riemer titled "We Remember Them." This poem was originally published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis in a 1978 prayerbook pamphlet geared for Reform Jewish mourners. A handwritten note dated 11/4/2018, written in blue ink appears on the upper register. Tearing and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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.
Hebrew mourning prayer, "Kel Male Rachamim" (God full of compassion) translated into English. The names of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack have been inserted here. Tears and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "We are sorry for your loss and hope you feel better." Note is handwritten in black ink on a printed tag featuring a white rose on the left.
Printed translation of Psalm 43, according to the English Standard Version (ESV) translation. The person who printed this psalm included a personal, typed note below reading: "Tears are prayers too. They travel to God when we can't speak."
Typed copy of Professor Marc Brettler's address to his students at Duke University the Tuesday following the October 27 attack. This address was delivered by two people from Durham, North Carolina: Francis and Joanna [last names redacted].
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.
Handwritten condolence note written in black marker on yellow paper addressed to the congregants of the Tree of Life synagogue.
Handwritten note written in blue ink on lined paper. Addressed to the victims of the October 27 attack and their families. The note is signed by Natasha and reads: "I love you. I'm so sorry this happened to you." Staining and color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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.