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
Bilingual note written in black ink on lined notebook paper. The message reads in both Hebrew and English: "You are Loved. You are not forgotten." Signed with a Star of David.
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover shows two balloons, a heart, and smiley face. Inside reads: "I hope everything gets better. I hope this never happens again. We are here for you." Signed with a heart.
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: "Sorry for what happen on Saturday. I prayed for you. Love, Holy Angels CCD." Color bleeding due to water exposure at the memorial site.
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: "Dear Tree of Life members, I am keeping you and all of the others affected by this tragedy. My deepest sympathy, Molly [last name redacted] Holy Angels CCD."
Card addressed to Daniel Stein. Cover features a reproduction of a painting by Frank Crosby, a resident of the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh. The inside contains messages of love and support written by other members of the Emmaus Community.
Post-it note with handwritten message and illustration. The message reads, in Hebrew: "Am Yisrael Chai (The People of Israel Live)." A large heart and smaller Star of David appear in the upper and lower center.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Our God is stronger than hate. Our love for you in stronger than hate. We cry with you, stand with you, support you, grieve with you. Our hearts hurt but we know your strength and the strength God gives us to overcome the evil in this world. In love and solidarity, Carole."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/2018 and reads: "To my brothers and sisters at the Tree of Life Synagogue: When I was young in Denver, Colorado our Congregation Church (First Plymouth) and the Temple Micah shared our building. The Rabbi was wonderful and we combined our youth groups and spent weekends and retreats together. It was highlight of my life to learn how common our shared heritage and beliefs were across what had been presented to me as "separateness." So untrue!!
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "We are shocked that this individual felt he could do such a thing. Who gave him the power to act as God? All our prayers are with your community and faith. Blessings! A sad Presbyterian member!"
Zine page with bubble letters and information about the emotional value of hugs. Zine page with cartoon imagery and information about the value of hugs. A young boy hugs a globe, beneath the inscription: "Embrace the world one hug at a time."
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.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To all of you at Tree of Life Synagogue, Deepest prayers and love reach out to each of you. May God's light and love bring you healing and strength. We are all one in our bonds of faith and goodness and HOPE! You are loved. Wendy [last name redacted]."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Beloved of the Lord- We cry with you in your sorrow, loss, and anger, And we pray with you for healing, forgiveness, hope and peace- Because of the One God who gave life to us all. In the name of His Son, Yeshua, Your sister, Kate [last name redacted]."
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.
Oral history with Kathryn Fleisher recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
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.