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
Single page flyer. Backdrop features images of paper dolls holding hands and the image of a lit candle. Text lists date, time, and location of event, biography of speaker, and sponsoring organizations.
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.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. Card reads: "Praise the Lord, all you nations, extol Him, all your peoples for great is His love toward us. And the faithfullness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord." This message is an English rendering of Psalms 117:1-2.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "We will make the world a better place in the name of your memory."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "May you flourish in the future."
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Michelle. The tag reads: "Shalom! Love, Michelle." The message is written in black marker on a printed tag with a green background and floral motifs.
Folded card on blue paper with hand drawn illustrations and assorted stickers featuring various animals and other items, including owls, paw prints, lady bugs, bears, a fish, flower, cat, and the Disney character, Tinkerbell.
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 reads: "My thoughts are with you. We must erase hate. I love you. B.R." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
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 reads: "You are loved and we see you! Never give up because you mean more than can you imagine. Signed, A friend." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Folded card on yellow paper with handwritten messages and marker illustrations. The front cover reads: "Have Hope." The inside reads: "Remember to stay hopeful during these hard times. Our are thoughts are with you." A yellow-outlined smiley face appears below. The back reads: "Pittsburgh will support you" and features a large Star of David illustrated in yellow.
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. Due to water exposure at the memorial site, the message in this card has been partially erased. The remaining text reads: "[?] of Life members... praying for you. Sorry for you[r] loss. [G]od bless you! Love and prayers, Holy Angels CCD." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Program for a memorial service at Beth Israel Congregation in Washington, Pa. Shows an illustration of the synagogue and lists speakers for the evening.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "We are here."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Members and Friends of the Tree of Life Synagogue, I am sorry for your loss in the recent shooting. Our prayers are with those affected by the attack and we hope that everyone injured is able to recover. Sincerely, Ben from the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Blessings of love from Israel."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Love with [will] always win in a war against hate. -Simon [last name redacted]."
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by the Brown family. The tag reads: "Pittsburgh Strong. We grieve with you. There are no words. Thank you for standing for love. Thank you for fulfilling Exodus 22:21." Note handwritten in blue ink on a printed tag featuring a white rose on the left.
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.
Features seven "chants," mostly taken from Hebrew scripture.
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.