Clergy
Shalom Kantor (rabskantor@bnaimoshe.org) Since July 1, 2016, Rabbi Shalom Kantor has brought heart, vision, and commitment to his role as spiritual leader of B’nai Moshe. Before joining our community, he made a meaningful impact in the Miami Jewish community, serving in roles such as Spiritual Care Chaplain with TrustBridge Health, Director of Jewish Life at Lehrman Community Day School, and Rabbinic Fellow at Congregation Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus.
Rabbi Kantor is known for blending tradition with creativity, nurturing Jewish life through education, personal relationships, and genuine care. He holds a B.A. in History with a minor in Religion from Willamette University and an M.A. in Rabbinic Studies from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University. During his studies in Jerusalem, he also earned certification in Shechitah.
Rabbi Kantor, along with his wife Shana and their children—Noam, Rena, and Ari—relocated from Miami to Michigan and have since embraced the natural beauty and warmth of their new community.
Rabbi Elliot Pachter (rabepach@bnaimoshe.org) joined B’nai Moshe as our spiritual leader in 1992 and now continues to serve our congregation as Rabbi Emeritus. During his 24 years as Rabbi, he guided our community through growth and transformation—welcoming new members, expanding our building to include a school wing and chapel, and shaping vibrant educational programs for both children and adults.
Even in his role as Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Pachter remains an active and beloved presence. He continues to participate in Shabbat, holiday, and weekday services, officiate at life cycle events, and share his wisdom as a teacher and mentor.
Beyond B’nai Moshe, Rabbi Pachter serves as the Rabbinic Advisor at Frankel Jewish Academy, located at the Jewish Community Center. He has also held leadership roles as past president of the Michigan Board of Rabbis and the Michigan Region of the Rabbinical Assembly of the Conservative Movement.
A proud native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Rabbi Pachter earned his B.A. in Hebrew Language from the University of Michigan in 1981 and his M.A. and Rabbinic Ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1987. In recognition of his service and scholarship, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from JTS in 2015.
Rabbi Pachter and his wife, Dr. Naomi Weckstein, are the proud parents of Gabriel and Jonathan (Natalie).
Dr. Earl G. Berris (cantorb@bnaimoshe.org), a proud Detroit native, began serving as Cantor of B’nai Moshe in August 1997 and was honored with the title of Cantor Emeritus in 2020.
Ordained in 1976 by the Cantors Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary, Cantor Berris has been a respected leader in the cantorial world. He has served as president of the Michigan Board of Cantors and the Cantors Council of Detroit, Tri-State Regional Chairman of the Cantors Assembly, and a member of its executive council.
In addition to his cantorial achievements, Cantor Berris is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a Registered Music Therapist. He holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Sacred Music and Music Therapy, as well as a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Wayne State University. He was also awarded a Doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary in recognition of his scholarship and service.
Cantor Berris and his wife, Ilana, are the proud parents of Doron (Daniel) Vergun and Leore (Dylan) Grushoff, and the delighted grandparents of Gershon and Eliezer Vergun.