Al Shlosha D’varim…
The 3 Pillars of the ‘Spike Experience’
ENERGY
High energy leadership that encourages participation from communities of all ages. Shared intentionally to get the most out of every type of community.
MUSICIANSHIP
High level musicianship and craft across instruments and styles. Theory and composition, choral/band arrangement, music production, and more.
EDUCATION
High level knowledge and understanding of our texts, traditions and language, developed over years of schooling and study.
Some of what Spike has been up to as ‘Artist in Residence’ at Temple Israel of West Bloomfield…
End of the Book: A Viral Purim Video
When the Temple realized they weren’t going to be able to have a Purim Shpiel “in person”, they turned to Spike to write an original purim song to share with our members. The result was ‘End of the Book’; recorded it in studio along with this family friendly music video, it garnered over 50k views across Temple’s Social platforms its first Purim cycle.
Y’varechecha (The Priestly Blessing)
This composition was a project to honor Rabbi Josh Bennett’s 25 year Anniversary as a Rabbi at Temple Israel. Spike wrote and recorded the entire song in his home studio, featuring the vocal talents of temple’s two cantors and Rabbi Jen Lader, in addition to creating the sheet music and this lyric video. The song and accompanying resources were presented to Rabbi Bennett during his 25th Anniversary service celebration.
“Trusty and Trueshamnu”
Here’s one of several pieces Spike composed and/or arranged for the synagogue, including several arrangements for the musical clergy team as well as the professional High Holy Day and Member Volunteer choirs. This piece combines the secular song ‘Trusty & True’ by Damien Rice with the traditional ‘Ashamnu’ melody; Temple Israel used it as a Yom Kippur Service anthem. Spike created the ending for four part choir, but had to sing all the parts himself for this video!