The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 839 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.

Using this archive

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.

 

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First Baptist Church, Berkley (Norfolk, VA) card

Condolence card from First Baptist Church, Berkley in Norfolk, Va. Light blue cover with floral pattern inscribed with the stock message: "Thinking of you with extra special care during this time when memories are stirred and the greatness of your loss can't help but felt afresh." Personalized message on the left flap reads: "We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our prayer is that you will feel the peace and comfort of the Lord in this time of need. May your hearts be lifted and unity forever flow. - Your friends from First Baptist Church, Berkley." A quote from Lamentations 3:22 appears below. The right flap features a combination of ready-made and personal messaging and is signed "with love and support" followed by a return address label.

Historical Notes

In the days after the October 27 attack, people began leaving objects at two locations outside the Tree of Life synagogue--one at the corner of Wilkins and Shady avenues in front of the Zittrain Gardens, and the other on a private lawn at Wilkins and Murray avenues, just beyond police barricades. Community volunteers moved the entirety of these two memorials inside the Tree of Life building on November 14, 2018, for preservation purposes. Most of these objects including this one were moved to archival preservation over the following year, but a small number were arranged in public display in the windows of the Hailperin Sanctuary. Rauh Jewish Archives staff and volunteers dismantled this display on February 16, 2023, and the objects were brought to the archive for preservation. First Baptist Church, Berkley is a multicultural community church located in Norfolk, Va.

Use and Reproduction
Donor Information
Item
MSS1297_B001_F011
Donor
Tree of Life Congregation, New Light Congregation, Congregation Dor Hadash, Tree of Life Inc., The 10.27 Healing Partnership
Subjects
Interfaith , Christianity , First Baptist Church, Berkley (Norfolk, Va.)

Full metadata

Metadata

First Baptist Church, Berkley (Norfolk, VA) card

Object Identifier
MSS1297_B001_F011_I001
Object Date
2018
Member of Item
MSS1297_B001_F011
Primary Type
text
Secondary Type
Envelope
Donor
Tree of Life Congregation, New Light Congregation, Congregation Dor Hadash, Tree of Life Inc., The 10.27 Healing Partnership
Description

Condolence card from First Baptist Church, Berkley in Norfolk, Va. Light blue cover with floral pattern inscribed with the stock message: "Thinking of you with extra special care during this time when memories are stirred and the greatness of your loss can't help but felt afresh." Personalized message on the left flap reads: "We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our prayer is that you will feel the peace and comfort of the Lord in this time of need. May your hearts be lifted and unity forever flow.

Member of Collection
October 27 Tribute Collection [MSS 1297]
Event
Wilkins Avenue Memorial
Location
Norfolk, Va.
Group
Gifts
Subject
Interfaith
Christianity
First Baptist Church, Berkley (Norfolk, Va.)
Creator 2
First Baptist Church, Berkley (Norfolk, Va.)
Dimensions
4.75 x 7 in.
Language
English