Berman in Jerusalem in 2006 during a Silver Jews tour. The singer and songwriter had begun a closer examination of his Judaism at the time.

Guitarist and composer Peyton Pinkerton, center, with J.J. O’Connell, left, and Marc Seedorf, who played on Pinkerton’s most recent album. The Holyoke musician recalls David Berman as a funny and generous friend who was also “a true artist.”