
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
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.
Envelope addressed to Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of Tree of Life. Front cover of the enclosed Hallmark card features floral imagery and says "Thinking of You." Inside reads: "My only connection to each of you is that of a fellow caring, loving human spirit that has the incredible gift of being able to learn and exist with all other living beings on this Earth. Even though that is my only tie to each of you, it is strong enough to share in your sadness and loss..." Continues on the back: "As a community and as a fellow human. May love always conquer hat and fear.
Metal sculpture in the shape of a tree feature two-lobed fan-shaped leaves. Sculpture is attached to a circular base and tied with a gold ribbon.
Prayer sheet for a memorial service at Beth Israel Congregation in Washington, Pa. Includes poem titled "Elijah," words to Psalm 121 in Hebrew and English, and a traditional blessing for mourners known as "Hamakom yenachem" presented in Hebrew, transliterated Hebrew, and English.
Eight-page folded cardstock program with dark blue background and typed text. Cover features photograph of a stained-glass Star of David. Contents include order of program, song lyrics with musical notation, Psalm 23 in Hebrew, English and English transliteration, Alden Solovy prayer, test of Kel Maleh Rachamim prayer in Hebrew and English, text of Mourner's Kaddish in Hebrew and English transliteration, and text of Oseh Shalom in Hebrew, English and English transliteration.
Engraved aluminum medallion attached to gray ribbon. Medallion features engraving of Pittsburgh skyline, bordered by design resembling bridges and the words "Stronger Than Hate." Accompanying card provides context for medallion against a yellow and white gradient with black text. Includes quotation from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "Dear Blessed Children of God, I am praying for you in these extremely difficult days. Know that you are being held in prayer. You are loved. Praying for Peace, Comfort, and a Hedge of Protection around you and your community. With love, A follower of Christ."
Glass vase containing stalks of wheat and a Canadian Flag. Vase accompanied by a white wicker heart with a note in a plastic sleeve. Note reads, "Our deepest sympathy to all the families, friends, and people of Pittsburg (sic). From your Canadian neighbors. 'No matter where we live...we are one!'"
Handwritten condolence note written in black marker on yellow paper addressed to the congregants of the Tree of Life synagogue.
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 reads: "Dear friends: Praying for God's perfect peace and be with you and comfort you in this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Bob [last name redacted]. P.S. Even in this sadness, I believe God will bring good." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
17-page speech, typescript with handwritten annotations. Provides a brief history of Tree of Life Congregation and reflects on the mission and values of the congregation at its centennial.
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 is addressed to God, and conveys the writers pain about the October 27 attack. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "R.I.P. Dr. Rabinowitz."
Large bound volume. Cover features gold writing embossed onto white leather and reads, "Book of Life, New Light Sisterhood, Donated By Mr. and Mrs. Harold Marcus in memory of Herman L. Katz." Interior pages contain handwritten messages in calligraphy.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a heart with various geometric and floral motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
White sign with "Coexist" written in multiple colors. Many of the letters in "Coexist" have been replaced by interfaith symbols, including the crescent moon, peace symbol, Star of David, yin-yang, and a cross. The hashtag, "Pghstrong" appears in the upper center, followed by a yellow heart. Three additional hearts, outlined in red marker, appear throughout. Blank back.
Handwritten note in red marker on a piece of brown paper from a family. Dated 10-27-18.
Handwritten note written in black marker on recycled paper. The note reads: "Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted. We grieve with you. Squirrel Hill Neighbors." Tearing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial. The back of the note has the silhouette of a box with two circles on a grey background.
Collage with a hand drawn tree with black ink in the center. Leaves made of multicolored tissue paper; two ready-made decorative leaf in orange, yellow, and peach fabric. Handwritten messages on either side.
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.