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
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: "Dear Tree of Life Members, We are all praying for you and your losses. Please join in our prayers for the police officers injured. From Holy Angels CCD."
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. Cover features an illustration of an American flag and Israeli flag flanking a budding plant in the lower center, and a bilingual quote in English and Hebrew attributed to Ghandi in the upper center. In English, the quote reads: "Be the change you want to see in the world." The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am so sorry for your loss. It breaks my hear to hear about acts of Anti-Semitism. I am keeping you and your congregation in my heart and prayers.
Oral history with Ira Frank recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
Card with large pink rose on the cover with note from Amanda, Jon, Anne Elisabeth, Daniel, and Jay [last name redacted] inside."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life, We are a Junior High small group from PLCPC. We are sorry for your loss. We are praying for the injured and those friends and family of those who died. We will continue to pray as your community continues to heal. Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church San Diego, CA. Mindy, Allison, Ellis, Mike, Logan, Georgia, Ana, Tessa, Sarah, Quinlan."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/18 and reads: "To our people of God. Our prayers of love and support are with you always. The loss of your friends and family is horrible. Our prayers for healing are with you all. God promises in Malachi 4 that 'Goodness will shine like the rising sun and will bring healing.' Take heart. With love, Liliana [last name redacted]."
Notecard with the following message written in black ink: "LOVE ALWAYS."
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. Features a bilingual Hebrew and English message and reads: "Am Yisroel Chai (The People of Israel live) forever and ever. NEVER FORGET IT!!!"
Printed floral tags from floral arrangements sent by Shadyside Presbyterian Church.
Handwritten note written in black, pink, and red marker on the back of page from a Staples calendar. The note contains quotes from Ecclesiastes and the South African Jewish philosopher, David Benatar. The quotes articulate the philosophical perspective, championed by Benatar, that procreation is not ethical.
Oral history of Lauren Bairnsfather, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Handmade card in colored marker on paper. The front of the card features the word: "LOVE" in bubble letters; the letter "o" has been replaced with a large Star of David. Several smaller hearts and a multi-colored asterisk appear throughout. Signed, upper left: "Rylee Love." The back is signed, twice: "Love Rylee" in orange and purple marker, respectively. The card has been laminated.
Hand written and illustrated poem dedicated to the eleven leaves which feel from the Tree of Life, a euphemism for the eleven victims of the October 27 attack. Eleven illustrations of different kinds of leaves appear around the poem.
Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to the Congregation and Staff at Tree of Life Synagogue. The message is printed on flower tag from a local florist. Creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "We love you and support you." Color bleeding 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: "We wish you Peace and Love. May you feel that most people in the world love you and feel your sorrow. Love, Betty and Jack [last name redacted] Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church."
Single page with typed text. Text lists order of Friday evening service, including page numbers and readings with instructions for cantor.
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.
Post-it note with handwritten message and illustration in blue and green marker. The message reads: "Nothing is lost on the breath of G-d." An illustration of a dove holding an olive branch against the backdrop of cresting waves or mountains.
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.