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
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To The Dear Tree of Life Community, I am so, so sorry for the loved ones you have lost in the most unthinkable of ways. Your brothers and sisters in San Diego, at Point Loma Community Presbyterian mourn with you. We pray that you will find a peace that goes beyond human understanding. Know that I am committed to doing- as much as any one person can do to build bridges of love, compassion, and shalom, and that I will always remember your family of faith while doing so.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front cover reads: "To: The Jewish Community of Pittsburgh. From: Yisroel [last name redacted], Chicago IL." The inside reads: "I feel so sad for you. My hachlata (resolution) is to give 3 cents instead of 1 or 2 cents. You should have everything you need. And Hashem (God) should give you all that you need." Spelling errors have been corrected for clarity.
Card addressed to Melvin Wax, written using personal details from various public sources.
Handwritten note written in black marker on a notepad page with a blue floral banner and medallion in the upper center. The note reads: "For our neighbors...and Jerry. Cliff and Robin." Piece of tape affixed upper center.
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 cardstock program for "Mona Golabek in The Children of Willesden Lane: A Tale of Music, Hope and Survival." Cover features image of a girl with a suitcase on a dark red background. Interior pages lists speakers and performances, describes the production, and provides background information about Mona Golabeck, Kristallnacht, and the Kindertransport. Back page describes the missions of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, Classrooms Without Borders (Pittsburgh, Pa.), and the Pittsburgh Willesden Lane Read, and includes a memorial to the victims of the October 27 attack.
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 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 sorry for your loss. Jayden."
Card with colored pencil illustration. Cover features an illustration of a leafy tree with pink asterisk-shaped stars, labeled: "The place where new life can grow." Inside reads: "Baruch dayan ha'emet" in English and Hebrew, and "I am sorry for your friends and families loss. I know what it feels like. So I am sending all the way from Texas this blessing." The back is signed: "Miriam." Spelling errors have been corrected in this transcription.
19-paged saddle-stitched booklet. Includes note from current president, explaination of Reconstructionist Judaism, and history of Congregation Dor Hadash with reproduction of archival materials, Typed half-page booklet printed in color and staple-bound.
Small saddle-stitched booklet with large wine stain across cover, 37 pages.
Envelope containing letters written by members of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The envelope is labeled with a piece of paper reading: "Letters for Tree of Life Synagogue."
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "Sending Prayers and Love to you. I pray the peace of God will fill your hearts."
Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to Jerry sent by Darlene [last name redacted]. The tag reads: "To Jerry, Will always remember your kindness and compassionate bedside manner at SSH [Shadyside Hospital]. Love, Darlene [last name redacted] RN." The note is handwritten in black ink on white paper with a watermark in the lower center.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The note, written in Hebrew, reads: "Ahava" (love). Signed with a heart.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Thank you for being strong."
Printed floral tags from floral arrangements sent by Shadyside Presbyterian Church.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "Etz Chaim Hi. It is a tree of life for those who hold fast to it."
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.