
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Handwritten note written in black, pink, and red marker on the back of page from a Staples calendar. The note contains quotes from Ecclesiastes and the South African Jewish philosopher, David Benatar. The quotes articulate the philosophical perspective, championed by Benatar, that procreation is not ethical.
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: "My condolences for this tragedy. Sending love from Cleveland, Ohio. Stay strong. You are in my prayers. Love, Louis [last name redacted]."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "May their memories be a blessing." Signed in Hebrew: [heart] "Miriam."
Rectangular card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. The card reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life synagogue, I'm from Vietnam and I stand with you. I'm sorry for your loss. May peace be with you. Shalom [signature]." Illustrated with Vietnamese flag, peace sign, and Star of David.
Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to Rabbi Hazzan Myers at Tree of Life synagogue. The message is printed on flower tag from a local florist. Significant tears due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Oral history of Rabbi Aaron Bisno, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Glass vase containing bouquet of synthetic orange, white, and red flowers. Also includes synthetic roses in cellophane. Note with typed text taped to vase. Note reads, "For our dear friend Joyce Fienberg, from [redacted], Green Templeton College, Oxford University, and [redacted]."
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of the words: "Don't Stop Believing." The back contains a handwritten note and a sticker with blue text reading: "Stronger Together." The stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School" appears in the lower center.
Oral history with Upendra Dahal recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
Cardstock program with typed text on front and back. Creased down the middle. Program includes itinerary, directions for a vigil walk and a wreath laying ceremony, and Hebrew and English lyrics for two Jewish songs: "Olam Hesed Yibaneh" and "Oseh Shalom Bimromav."
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.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dearest Member of the Tree of Life Synagogue- We are so saddened by the tragic events of the past week. We have so many prayers and concerns for your congregation and your families. We hope that the country will feel your sorrow and hope that people all over the world will bless you. I am part of the prayer quilt ministry that provides quilts for those in need of prayer. We never know who the quilts are intended for as we sew them. But God knows.
Red card with circular design in black marker. Extensive tearing and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Folded card on pink paper. A faded Star of David appears on lower right corner. Blue and yellow staining throughout. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover reads: "I am sorry" and features a large heart below. It is signed: "By D'mitri." The inside reads: "Dear survivors of the synagogue shooting, I AM sorry FOR your LOSS. This note is from D'mitri [last name redacted]. I live in Colorado."
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a mandala with floral motifs with the words "Good Luck" written below. The back contains a handwritten note, "Stronger Together" sticker, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Folded card with marker and colored pencil illustrations. Front and back both feature Stars of David encircled by hearts. Inside shows a tree, labeled "a living tree" signed "from Milo".
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The card features a Star of David and reads: "To the Pittsburgh community, We are a city built on steel and kindness and held up by a thriving Jewish community. I miss my home, my city so much right now, but I know that you are strong. I send all my love."
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.