The October 27 Archive currently contains 1579 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
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front cover reads: "To: The Jewish community of Pittsburgh. From: Zalman [last redacted] Chicago, Il." The inside reads: "I take upon myself to have more kavane (intention; emotional devotion) when I daven (pray). Moshiach (the Messiah) should come now and their should only be simchas (joyous occassions)." The message is accompanied by an illustration of a building with a set of stairs leading to a door with a crenellated roof. Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
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.
Handwritten note written in black marker on dotted graph paper. The note reads: "Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living." Creasing and staining 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 reads: "Our hearts are with you. The Bolsters, Point Loma."
Envelope and floral tag addressed to Jerry Rabinowitz. The envelope reads: "Godspeed Jerry" and is illustrated with two hearts. The tag features an illustration of a sheep with wildflowers growing out of its head. The tag reads: "Jerry, You can rest in peace with Bill. He, too, was an incredibly kind man! Jean. Godspeed."
Handwritten card written in pencil, blue and purple crayon, on paper. The note is from a seven year old child [name is illegible]. The note reads: "We won't forget how you spread kindness so we will do the same to the world. Be kind all around." An illustration of a globe appears below. Spelling errors corrected for clarity. Staining and tearing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The cover of the card features the following quote: "For every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness." Inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey, I am terribly sorry about the antisemitic attack. It infuriates me that someone could do that. Sincerely, Colton [last name redacted]."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "We are here."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/04/18 and reads: "We are ONE life, ONE Body, and ONE God. Love and blessings to all."
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.
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 prayers for healing and comfort. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Laminated printed sign in blue and red ink on white paper. The sign reads: "Only love can conquer hate."
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a heart with floral and geometric motifs. A handwritten note and signature appear in the lower left and right corners respectively. The back features the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Oral history of Rosalind Chow, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Flyer with green typed text on green paper. Includes a silhouette graphic of people standing under a tree. Provides information about the location of event and itinerary of activities. Footer includes website and Facebook information for Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence.
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Cover shows four smiley faces, two heart shaped balloons, surrounded by asterisk-shaped stars on a multicolored background. Inside reads: "Our prayers are with you! I hope you are well!" Back reads "2018" and features two heart shaped ballons in the lower center atop a salmon colored background.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Eddie and Diane in memory of Al Hess. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist.
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."
Torn page from a children's coloring book with illustrations of a seal and fish on the front and a lion on the back.
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.