Altshuler Scholar

Boston based Jacob ‘Spike’ Kraus is a 33 year old singer-songwriter, music producer, educator, and innovator…

…Spike’s music has been included in the cantorial curriculum of Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, and is featured by Jewish Rock Radio & PJ Library. Spike has been performing for two decades at synagogues, Jewish day schools, and summer camps. Having just finished a three year stint as the Artist-In-Residence at Temple Israel of West Bloomfield (the largest synagogue in North America), Spike now tours Jewish communities across the country as a performer, teacher, composer, consultant, and energetically joyful individual. 

Spike graduated from Muhlenberg College in the spring of 2013 with a degree in Music. He released his first album “Shake Off the Dust” (2014) one year later, featuring the smash hit “What Makes You Glow,” known endearingly in most circles as “Fish Swim”. He has since released two more studio albums, Cornerstones (2017) and From Strength to Strength (2023), and a genre-defining project “Light Up the Night” (2019) that changed the sound of Chanukah music forever. His music is inspired by prominent pop, rock, and folk artists of the last 60 years, but also heavily influenced by jazz and classical traditions. Spike can pivot from crafting an electronic, rock and roll dance song, to composing a four part choral arrangement with accompanying instrumental score— truly a ‘jack of all trades’. Yet it’s in knowing which approach is right for which community that his mastery truly shines.

The son of a Rabbi, and the product of Jewish school and summer camp, Spike brings more than musicality to his work. His intimate knowledge of the Hebrew language, Jewish texts, and culture adds depth to his songs and real authenticity to his role as a music educator. Al shlosha d’varim…the three things that Spike stands on: deep understanding of Jewish content, musicianship of the highest caliber, and an infectious energy and joy for his work.