
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Rectangular card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Front reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life, I'm from Japan and I am writing this letter because on extremely sad news about Jewish people came up yesterday. I'm feeling awfully sorry for Jewish people. I've been learning about 3 monotheistic re[li]gions from last month, so it also made me feel that I have connection with every single Jewish person.
Page of blue typed text over a photograph of Tree of Life synagogue illuminated at night. Photograph shows barrier tape behind large white Stars of David with names of victims on them. Title reads: "Decolonizing Judaism in an Era of White Supremacy: Tree of Life, Travel Bans, and New Concentration Camps."
Small saddle-stitched booklet with large wine stain across cover, 37 pages.
Typed letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. The letter reads: "Dear Rabbi, My name is Joelle. I'm 10 years old. I live in Montreal. I go to Hebrew Academy, a private school. I'm sorry to hear that there was a shooting. I feel so bad. It doesn't matter what religion you are, you have to respect other[s] just the same way you have to respect Hashem (God). We should always know that we are stronger than hate. So bad things can't happen we have to faith and emunah (trust) in Hashem. I feel so bad. From: Joelle. P.S.
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: "Just because life is hard now...does not mean it will be forever challenging. Love in stronger than HATE. You just have to strong. We are praying. -Tree of Life members and all Jewish people. - From: Reena Weber and Holy Angels CCD, 8th grade." Illustrated with two small hearts.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover features a large Star of David and contains the following quote attributed to Albert Einstein: "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am sorry for your loss, and violence. I am a student from all the way from Denver, Colorado. So from all of us from Colorado we give you good wishes. Sincerely, Will [last name redacted]."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "I think this means when there is hate and sorrow be the one who makes happiness and kindness into the world. Simon [last name redacted]."
White and purple envelope with handwritten inscription in blue ink addressed: "To: The family of Tree of Life." The location of the sender's home, Norfolk, Virginia, is inscribed in the lower left corner. The upper flap on the envelope's reverse is inscribed with the following note: "We are so broken hearted for your loss." Staining and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The note is written in Hebrew. Translated into English, it reads: "Blessed is the true judge." Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Love is stronger than hate." Signed with a heart.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dearest brothers and sisters of faith, Words cannot express the sadness and rage we feel in what has happened in your community. May God grant you His peace- as only [underlined] He [underlined] can do and know our love and prayers are with you. In love, Jolene and Dave [last name redacted] Point Loma Pres- San Diego, Ca."
Laminated prayer card with text of the "Prayer to Our Mother of Perpetual Help" on the reverse. The front side features a reproduction of a medieval-style icon of the Virgin and child against a gold backdrop. This prayer card has the imprimatur of the former archbishop of Boston, William Cardinal O'Connell (1859-1944).
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 card on red paper with handwritten messages in black marker. The front cover is addressed: "To the strong and resilient Jews of Squarrel [Squirrel] Hill," with a heart. The inside contains a message of support and solidarity from an anonymous Jew.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "May your memories be forever a blessing and may the Holy One hold in his Heart forever."
Typed two-page letter addressed to the Tree of Life synagogue, families of victims, and survivors. Dated Sunday Nov. 4, 2018. The letter includes tributes from multiple individuals throughout western and central Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Beaver, Elk, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
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.
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