Cantor Berris, a native of Detroit, assumed the Cantorial Pulpit in August of 1997. He was ordained by the Cantors Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1976.

Cantor Berris has earned many degrees including, B.A.s in both Sacred Music and Music Therapy and a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Wayne State University. He is a marriage and family therapist and a Registered Music Therapist. Cantor Berris is a member of the American Association for Counseling and Development.

Cantor Berris is a past president of the Michigan Board of Cantors, the Cantors Council of Detroit and a past member of the executive council of the Cantors Assembly. He is currently the Tri-state Regional Chairman of the Cantors Assembly.