
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Bright yellow posterboard with handwritten message written in green marker and pencil reading, "We love you neighbors." Embellished with four hands with additional handwritten messages and hearts.
Wooden pedestal painted white with white Star of David and red heart affixed to front. Handwritten in pencil and black marker on the Star of David is the name "Jerry Rabinowitz." (The name is misspelled as "Terry Rabinowitz.) Collaged onto the heart are white pieces of paper and a translation of Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Accompanying image shows all 11 Stars of David in the series.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "From Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, San Diego. Dear members of Tree of Life synagogue, Our hearts ache for your loss and we pray that God will give you peace and hope. We also pray that as a nation and as people of God, we can overcome this senseless hatred. We love you, Judy [last name redacted]."
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "Please do not stop your worship. Continue to pray for the people who really need it. Pray for those who need love. I love you so please do not stop worshipping or [be] scared to worship. Don't let the hate change your lifestyle. [Smiley face]."
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front of the card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live)." The inside reads: "I have [heard] about the terrible news that happened and I feel very very bad for you. I hope moshiach (the Messiah) should come now so we could join with them now!!!" Multiple stars of David and smiley faces are integrated into the text of this card. Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope features an illustrated heart. The front cover reads: "Faith is the friend that comes along when things just seem to go all wrong." The inside reads: "To the Tree of Life, My thoughts and prayers are with yours. Nancy [last name redacted]."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4, 2018 and reads: "Dear Sisters and Brothers, Please hold fast to the promise of God's power and presence in all things. While we have choices He has the final word on how our circumstances, losses, and gains will serve His kingdom. You are loved, prayed for, and supported by many in this trying and confusing time, and always. Please reach out the community of believers for any need. Thank you for your continued faith and courage, which inspires generations.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "We are thinking of you and hope you may find peace during this tough. You and your families are in our thoughts. I know God is thinking of you and will keep you protected in his hands while you go through this. It is not fair and we won't understand why this happens. It is terrible and God doesn't give us more than we can handle but it sure feels that way sometime. Just keep peace in your heart and forgiveness for this senseless act.
Program from November 4, 2018 Sunday worship at Lincoln Place Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. The eleven victims of the October 27 attack were memorialized in the church's prayers and remembrances for those who had passed in the past year.
Card with photograph of flower. Handwritten text on front of envelope reads, "To: Tree of Life in sympathy and solidarity" and back of enveloped reads, "Won't you be my neighbor? Mr. Rogers." Handwritten interior of card expresses love for the Pittsburgh Jewish community and evokes Mr. Roger's: "We are called upon to remember the spirit of Mr. Rogers and love each and every one of our neighbors who make our community so wonderful."
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 blue ink on a lined notecard reading: "Sending all of my sympathy, empathy and love. I don't know what else to say. -Hope [last name redacted]. Brooklyn, New York (Former Pittsburgher)."
Rectangular poster that says "Love one another right NOW" with music notes and pink hearts. Blank back.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a leaf with geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
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 a quote from 1 Peter 4:3 about love and a prayer for God's love. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Laminated copy of poem by Sandra Sturtz titled "May You Always Feel Loved." Poem is printed in black ink with two flowers in the upper right and left corners. Photograph of a sunset over a rocky sea shore in the background.
Oral history of Moshe Baran, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Handwritten letter written in black pencil on pink coloring paper folded in half from the Dillon family. The letter inside is addressed to God, referred to as "Heavenly Father." The Dillon family pray for healing, comfort, and unity. The envelope is addressed to Tree of Life, written in blue pencil.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "You are in our thoughts and prayers knowing our Karla was living in your neighborhood has helped us so much-"
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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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