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
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by the Vishny family in Irvine, California. The bouquet was sent in memory of Rose Mallinger, and all the other October 27 attack victims. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist.
Post-it note with handwritten message written in black marker. The message reads: "We are always with you. You are not alone. Be strong." A smiley face and heart appear below.
Invitation to Leah's Bat Mitzvah celebration on Sunday May 27th at the Tree of Life synagogue. Illustrations of a palm tree and a sun appear on either side of the central text. On the back, the sender wrote: "I had the best day of my life in this shul. We will never forget what happened. We will make the world a better place."
Note written in black and blue ink on bright pink notecard with a quote from Psalm 29:11 and the phrase "Stronger Than Hate." Star of David left center. Green staining on right edge due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Handwritten note written in brown marker on green coloring paper reading: "Let there be love and light in this world. Our thoughts are with this community. We send our love, light and peace. C. [last name redacted]."
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front and back cover features the following quote: "Everyday may not be a good day BUT." The quote continues on the inside: "There is good in Every DAY!!" The card reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffr[e]y Myers, I am very sorry to hear about the shooting that has occurred. My best wishes for you all. -7th grade student from Littleton, Colorado." The message is accompanied by a large Star of David in the upper center.
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 prayer and wishes for love and faith in God. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Cylindrical white ceramic vase containing two bouquets of blue synthetic hydrangeas. Vase is cracked down one side from top.
Red synthetic flowers with green leaves inserted into a cylindrical piece of synthetic moss. Wrapped in brown textured paper and tied with raffia bow.
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: "I'm praying for everyone that lost a love one. I will pray for everyone that died. Sincerely, Hannah [last name redacted]." Spelling errors corrected for clarity. Color bleeding due to water exposure at the memorial site.
Print out with the names of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack. Photographs have been included for Joyce Fienberg, Richard Gottfried, Rose Mallinger, Jerry Rabinowitz, David and Cecil Rosenthal, Daniel Stein, and Melvin Wax. The names and photographs are accompanied by the following message: "In Loving Memory, Gone But never forgotten." Tears and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Preprinted card with handwritten message in black ink. Front of card reads, "You are being loved, prayed over, and held close in caring hearts."
Summary: Jewish Telegraph Agency wire report carried by New York Jewish Week. Includes comments by Joel Rubinfeld comparing and contrasting security protocols at different synagogues and expectations of antisemitic violence in the United States and Europe.
Full color printed program for "The Numbers Keep Changing." Includes artist's statement, reproductions of seven paintings with accompanying poems, photographs of the exhibition opening, and media coverage of the exhibit. Additional images shows painting "El Kiddush Hashem."
Card with flying dove holding an olive branch in its mouth over a navy blue background with light blue tendrils on the front cover. The word "Peace" appears below the dove. Handwritten note in blue marker from Kelly M. from Freedom, Pa.
Handwritten card in pink and orange marker on pink paper. The card reads: "Sorry for this tragedy. We love! Adeline." A large, striped, inverted triangle appears below the word "Sorry." Small hearts and peace symbols appear throughout.
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.