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Tu B'Shevat Celebration


When Eric Komar sings, Dickinsonians listen.

After all, the New Jersey singer/songwriter is a much-sought-after musician in the New York metro area. And he's performed his original Jewish folk/rock/jazz music in synagogues, community centers and Hillels nationwide and has released two CDs.

So, each month, when Komar arrives to help lead religious services at the Asbell Center, students and members of the local Beth Tikvah community join together to enjoy some special Friday-night fellowship.

This month, they together observed Tu B’Shevat. Held on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, the holiday is known as the the New Year for Trees, a day that celebrates the earth, its produce and the promise of a new spring, when the trees will come into bloom.


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  • Singer/songwriter Eric Komar has been performing on campus for approximately four years. Komar, who performs once a month at Dickinson, helps lead services at the Asbell Center.
    Eric Komar
  • All Dickinsonians and community members are welcome to attend services on campus each Friday night.
    A Weekly Tradition
  • Lit candles are part of the ceremony.
    Tu B'Shevat
  • Ted Merwin, director of the Milton B. Asbell Center for Jewish Life and assistant professor of religion, addresses students and community members.
    Ted Merwin
  • Approximately 15-20 Dickinson students and 20-30 members of the Beth Tikvah community attend weekly services at the Asbell Center.
    Fellowship
  • Students drink fruit juice, a Tu B'Shevat tradition, in honor of fruit trees (and other trees) in Israel that will soon be in bloom.
    Fruit of the Tree
  • Friday-night services are generally held at the Asbell Center. Because of a high turnout for this celebration, however, the event was held in the spacious Memorial Hall.
    Memorial Hall Services
Singer/songwriter Eric Komar has been performing on campus for approximately four years. Komar, who performs once a month at Dickinson, helps lead services at the Asbell Center. Prev ImageNext Image

Text by MaryAlice Bitts
Photos by John Jones IV '11