The October 27 Archive currently contains 1476 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
Spiral bound booklet with peach-colored cover page, gray binding, and light blue back cover, 43 pages. Contains information for members, including descriptions of officer responsibilities, a guide for leading services, and contact information for Jewish resources in Pittsburgh. Two pages containing contact information have been redacted from digital version.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "Live for those we have lost. Be well. Love from Boston MA."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "The strength of your Jewish community is inspiring. From NYC to Pittsburgh, we love you." Color bleeding 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: "Dear friends at Tree of Life, We have been so saddened by what has happened. Our hearts break for you. We want you to know we may be far away, but we hold you close in our prayers. You are our brothers and sisters. We are with you. Sincerely, Cara [last name redacted] Pt. Loma Presbyterian Church."
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of seven children holding hands around a table with a large goblet and loaf of braided bread, and seven doves. The illustration is labeled: "We are people of God's peace." Signed "-Jenna [last name redacted]" in the lower right corner. The inside contains several messages, including: "We love [heart symbol] you... Get well soon!!!!... Get well soon... I'm praying for you...hope you get better...we hope you heal fast...get well soon.
Black and white reproduction of a photograph originally printed in a newspaper, showing Greek Revival synagogue. Cropped selection from larger image.
Single page flyer. Backdrop features images of paper dolls holding hands and the image of a lit candle. Text lists date, time, and location of event, biography of speaker, and sponsoring organizations.
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."
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.
Folded card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Cover features a large peace sign. Inside reads: "Dear member of Tree of Life, I am a Chinese student who study in FVS. I heard this bad event this morning. I feel sorry for your lost. We will support you any time. Best wishes, Iihan [last name redacted]." Illustrated with Star of David.
Cover of sddle stitched. Embossed gold text on white cover. Text reads "30th Anniversary Congregation Dor Hadash June 20, 1993."
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.
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report detailing how several Jewish institutions in Allegheny County responded to the immediate breaking news of the October 27 attack. Includes reports from Shaare Torah Congregation, Chabad of South Hills, and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Includes comments from the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh detailing security measures undertaken within the Jewish community in recent years. Report also includes quotes from a havdalah vigil held at the corner of Murray and Forbes avenues on the evening of the attack.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "Z"L."
Floral tag from floral arrangement. The tag features a quote from Psalm 121:4, which reads: "Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber no sleep." The message is handwritten in black ink on a printed tag with white and purple flecked flowers.
Full sheet flyer includes image of the top half of a mans face and typed text. Text describes Lest We Forget installation.
Handwritten card from "Laura" of Monroeville, Pa., expressing solidarity with the Jewish community. Writer identifies as "resident of Monroeville," "Gateway Gator," "breast cancer survivor," and "practicing Catholic."
Handwritten sympathy note written in blue ink on paper from Nelson [last name redacted], a resident of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Nelson extends his sympathy to Pittsburgh and its Jewish community in particular.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover features the following quote: "No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted." An illustration of a rainbow appears below. The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Congregation, I am sorry for your loss. I am writing to you from Colorado. I would like you to know people far away care for you. I may not believe in Judaism but I believe your heart is in the right place. Sincerely, Uyen [last name redacted], Littleton, Colorado."
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front and back cover reads: "One of the happiest moments ever is when you find the courage to let go of what you can change." The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Congregation, I am so very, very sorry for your loss (losses). I know what it's like to lose someone. I am Camden. I am a student at Goddard Middle School. I am 13. I think that what happened with the shooting was not ok. Just because people have beliefs that are different it doesn't give people the right to do something that.
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.