
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a turtle with floral and geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of a haloed dove flying in front of Noah's ark. The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life, I'm sorry for your loss. Hope everything goes well. From Bella [last name redacted]."
Note addressed to Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz reading: "Rest in Peace Dr. Rabinowitz. Sue [last name redacted]. Shalom."
Canvas with "We Are Better Than Hate" painted in orange letters with black border on a white background with black border. Canvas wrapped and stapled to wooden frame.
Handwritten letters from Rev. Carol [last name redacted] of Lakewood, Ny. and Leslie [last name redacted] of York, Pa. written in blank ink and pencil respectively on lined notebook paper. Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Glass jar containing nine miniature Israeli and American flags.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "We will make the world a better place in the name of your memory."
Message written on a green note card which affirms the importance of words and combatting hate. The note ends with the following words: "Squirrel Hill is in the hearts and minds of everyone in PGH [Pittsburgh] and in the world."
Summary: Pittsburgh Current report on havdalah vigil held at the corner of Forbes and Murray avenues in Squirrel Hill, organized by students from Allderdice High School.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "Shalom" (Peace). Creasing and tearing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Nine page packet of typed text. First page includes a photograph looking down at a table with plates of food. Second page includes a photograph of lit candles. Packet provides a guide for conducting a Shabbat service in the aftermath of recent antisemitic and racist attacks. Includes instructions, readings, group exercises, and citations.
Large square card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Card reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life[s], I am an international student from China. I heard the sad news about the sad thing [that] happened in the Synagogue. I felt really sorry about that and I know I can't do anything to let you feel better. But I am always on your side. Support the sad family. So please strong to stay together. Peace be with you. - Isabel L." Illustrated Star of David and peace sign on lower left.
Typed letter addressed to Jerry Rabinowitz from Louis D. Louis identifies himself as a gay patient of Rabinowitz during the 1980s. He thanks for Rabinowitz for his sensitivity and care. The letter is enclosed in a plastic page protector and has tape residue on the back from the Wilkins memorial.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Members, We at the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in California extend our most heartfelt feeling for you in the time of mourning. It is our wish that your healing take place as soon as possible. We are with you in your loving God. Jay [last name redacted]."
Handwritten card in pencil on paper. The front cover features a Star of David in the center and reads in Hebrew: "L'chaim" (to life). The inside reads: "I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you love, Mimi [last name redacted]." A Menorah appears in the center.
Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to Jerry sent by Darlene [last name redacted]. The tag reads: "To Jerry, Will always remember your kindness and compassionate bedside manner at SSH [Shadyside Hospital]. Love, Darlene [last name redacted] RN." The note is handwritten in black ink on white paper with a watermark in the lower center.
Handwritten card written in pencil on paper. The card reads: "Dear Family, Hello my name is Elisha D. I am from Netivot, we stand together with you because a loss for you is a loss for us. May you only see simchas."
Yellow laser print with inscription in black ink; blue heart. Blank back.
Square card with white and yellow text against blue background. Card reads, "Mitzvah4Pittsburgh. Some spread darkness. We spread light. Choose a good deed. Choose a Mitzvah. Add light to the world," followed by four options and a place for respondents to list their name and email address. Some names and email addresses have been redacted for privacy.
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.