
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
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 affirms the sender's belief in God. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover shows two balloons, a heart, and smiley face. Inside reads: "I hope everything gets better. I hope this never happens again. We are here for you." Signed with a heart.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Friends at Tree of Life Synagogue, My heart hurts and aches for the tragedy and violence you have seen. I have thought about it many times as I sit in my own church with family and friends. May God wake with you always, ALL ways, may His breath be in yours, may you heal and grow together from this horrible loss. With much love, Katie [last name redacted] from PLCPC.
Note addressed to Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz reading: "Rest in Peace Dr. Rabinowitz. Sue [last name redacted]. Shalom."
Handwritten letter written in black ink on lined notebook paper from Michelle. Michelle is a lifelong Pittsburgher whose mother worked in Squirrel Hill when Sophie Masloff, Pittsburgh's first Jewish and female mayor, was in office. Michelle recalls her mother's pride in serving Masloff. Michelle notes that she is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and currently lives in Squirrel Hill. She apologizes for being "neglectful" of her ties with the Jewish community. She wrote this letter to extend "my very friendly hello" and to communicate her solidarity.
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.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live), I will daven for you and give extra tzadakah (charity) and nothing else should happen like what just happened and when moshiach (the Messiah) comes [?] and Hashem will do t'chiyat hameitim (resurrect the dead). The rest of your life should be successful. From so and so... which." The acronym "BS"D" (with the help of heaven), a common header in traditional Jewish letter-writing, appears in the upper left corner.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front reads: "In our hearts" and shows an illustrated heart. The back reads: "Your Jewish family in D.C. is thinking of you and sending so much love your way. Love, GW Hillel."
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover features illustration of tree with ladder. Interior reads, "We are with you at this sorrowful time. The Beth Chai Congregation of Greater Washington." Back cover reads "I hope you feel better. P.S. We will donate $ to you" with two five-pointed stars.
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.
Folded card with marker and colored pencil inscriptions. Cover reads: "Do not cry :-) That is sad." Inside reads: "I am very sad about the bad things that happened to you. I hope this never happens again. Luke [last name redacted for privacy]" and features stylized illustration of two stick figures, representing the writer "me" and the recipients "you guys" holding hands.
Print outs with English and Hebrew lyrics from popular Jewish and Israeli artists and poets, including Hannah Szenes (Senesh), Arik Einstein, Matisyahu, and Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. A handwritten note in blue ink reading "May your memory be eternal" appears on the second page.
Hand painted card with a rainbow-colored heart on the front. Signed lower right: "Love, Brian S." The card has been laminated.
Cover of bencher (grace after meals booklet) from the bar mitzvah of Nate Itskowitz. Features illustration of a black and yellow sports jersey with the name Itskowitz, a Steelers logo modified to read "Nate" and the date "10-27-18," and Hebrew text listing the event and date.
Natural red rose preserved in plastic box.
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." The inside reads: "Just because life is hard now...does not mean it will be forever challenging. Love in stronger than HATE. You just have to strong. We are praying. -Tree of Life members and all Jewish people. - From: Reena Weber and Holy Angels CCD, 8th grade." Illustrated with two small hearts.
Handwritten card in blue and purple marker on paper. The card features a large heart, over a Star David, with the first names of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack. The card reads: "We can't take away the pain, we can only add our love. Love, The Ettingers."
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of a haloed dove flying in front of Noah's ark. The inside reads: "Sorry for your loss. We will remember you. P.S. We will pray for you. Aden."
Summary: KDKA-TV report from a havdalah vigil at the corner of Forbes and Murray Aves. in Squirrel Hill.
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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.
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