The October 27 Archive currently contains 1333 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
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.
Post-it note with handwritten message and illustrations in green, blue, red, and black marker. The message reads: "He watching over Israel slumbers not nor sleeps." An illustration of houses on a hilltop with a river, trees, heart, and a moon and stars above, appears around the text.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Our hearts ache and break for and with you. We are with you in this and will remain prayerful as you walk through this incredible loss. With much love, Mary Jo [last name redacted]."
Typed memorial note in honor of Joyce Fienberg. The author recalls personal details about Joyce's research career at the University of Pittsburgh and her caring personality.
Hebrew mourning prayer, "Kel Male Rachamim" (God full of compassion) translated into English. The names of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack have been inserted here. Tears and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "We send LOVE to you today and always. We are on in the eyes of the Lord. When one hurts, we all hurt. When there is joy for one, there is joy for all. Prayers and blessings to you."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "You are loved. You are stronger than hate. Love and more love."
Green envelope with note handwritten in blue ink with the message: "Let steadfast love become your comfort..." 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 dear brothers and sisters at Tree of Life, You are not alone! I pray that God, our father, will fill you to overflowing with His peace and love as you mourn the loss of your family. May you find comfort in the knowledge that even in this tragedy God is in control and will bring beauty from the ashes. 'My comfort in my suffering in this: Your promise preserves my life.' Psalm 119:50."
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."
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover features the following quote attributed to the great ancient Roman orator, Cicero: "While there's life, there's hope. -Marcus Tullius Cicero." An illustration of a large Star of David appears below. The quote and illustration are outlined with a repeating pattern of blue and white lines. The inside reads: "Dear L'Simcha Congregation, My name is Olivia [last named redacted]. I live in Littleton, Colorado. I am Jewish.
Tri-fold bulletin listing the details of Shabbat services, upcoming community events and resources for those experiencing symptoms of trauma.
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 reads: "I just want to send God's loving grace to you and your family to help you heal from the terrible act from a lost soul. We pray for you and everyone touched by this action. God Bless."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads, in Hebrew: "May their memories be for a blessing. May their souls be bound with the bond of life. Sharon, Israel."
Card painted with blue paint on the front. The words "Tree of Life" and several Stars of David, hearts, and five-pointed star were drawn with marker. A smiley face sticker was placed on the bottom left edge. An orange sticky note in the shape of a twelve-pointed star with the words "Strength and Unity for ALL" was placed in the center. The back of the card contains the words "Thoughts and Prayers for ALL" on the left, accompanied by illustrations of Stars of David, hearts, and five-pointed stars.
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.