
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
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.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "The 2nd and imp[ortant] commandment is LOVE Your Neighbor. Susan." Tape on the bottom and top left. Tearing and dirt due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4, 2018 and reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue Members, Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in your faith and fellowship. Our community prays for yours, with love, The [redacted] Family and Point Loma Comm. Presbyterian Church."
Handwritten note written in black marker on a notepad page with a blue floral banner and medallion in the upper center. The note reads: "For our neighbors...and Jerry. Cliff and Robin." Piece of tape affixed upper center.
Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The message reads: "99.9999999% of Americans are good and caring people!" Tape on the upper edge.
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.
Oral history of Meryl Ainsman, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4 and reads: "Dear Tree of Life Members, We send our love and sympathy to you. We stand by you and all your global family for life. You are our brothers and sisters cherished our heritage through your and our future promises with you. With prayers and love, Rev. Dr. Larry [last name redacted]."
Laminated mixed media collage with paper, dried leaves, and marker. Tree in the center; two clouds and sun in upper register. Handwritten inscriptions in various marker colors on tree trunk and upper center. Extensive bleeding to back and signs of water exposure; creasing.
Wooden pedestal painted white with white Star of David and red heart affixed to front. Handwritten in pencil and black marker on the Star of David is the name "Melvin Wax." Collaged onto the heart are white pieces of paper and a translation of Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Accompanying image shows all 11 Stars of David in the series.
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 contains words of prayer and encouragement. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a butterfly with geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Card addressed to Daniel Stein, written using personal details from various public sources.
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.
Handmade card in watercolor and ink on paper. The front side features a hand painted illustration of a braided Challah loaf, traditionally prepared for the Jewish Shabbat. The card is signed: "Love and solidarity from Morgantown, WV." Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Love not hate." Tape affixed on the bottom edge. Tearing and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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.