About Us
United Refuah HealthShare was founded by successful businessmen, employers, and parents of the Cleveland Jewish community who saw the challenges of providing appropriate healthcare to their employees and their families. Since 2018, the founders engaged industry and community leaders to ensure that the culture and the needs of the Jewish community within the Health Share were maintained and revered, while creating a superior HealthShare organization.
Baruch Chaim Manies is the founder and driving force behind United Refuah HealthShare.
He is an entrepreneur and CEO of FiveStar Store It, a national storage solutions company, and ClimbZone, a national franchise company for family entertainment. With his expertise in managing large scale operations and experience in various communal and charitable organizations, Baruch Chaim harnesses his passion to help and positively impact the Jewish community. Recognizing the overwhelming financial burden of healthcare costs on the average Jewish family, he created a solution. United Refuah HealthShare is an organization that answers the question of rising healthcare costs for Jewish families by offering them a communal and viable option for managing these costs. When he is not busy at work or learning, he can be found volunteering for local and national organizations. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Baruch Chaim spent 17 years in Yeshiva of South Fallsburg before moving to Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where he and his wife, Leeby, are raising their children.
John Brown received his BA from Cleveland State University before pursuing his CPA.
Currently, John is the President of John D. Brown CPA, Inc. He is a founding board member with over 30 years of experience as an external auditor for nonprofit organizations, such as an organization that works with at-risk youth. Throughout his professional career, he has always taken on projects that aim to give back to the community and genuinely help people in need.
When John is not hard at work, you can find him fishing, biking, or golfing. John lives in Aurora, Ohio, with his wife of 39 years. They are the proud parents of two accomplished adult children.
Dr. Salamon MD, FRCSC, FACS is a board-certified ophthalmologist and one of the founders of The Cataract Eye Center of Cleveland.
Dr. Salamon completed his medical training at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York. Throughout his career, Dr. Salamon has conducted clinical trials and published extensively. Dr. Salamon helps guide United Refuah HealthShare, when necessary, as an advising medical authority. Dr. Salamon resides in Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife Ruthie, RN. When the Salamons are not administering medical care, you can find them at home enjoying the company of their children and grandchildren.
Alan Schabes graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hofstra University Law School in 1981.
He is a senior partner at the Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan and Aronof, LLP law firm in Cleveland, Ohio. Over the last decade, he has been repeatedly nominated to the Best Lawyers in America ranking list. Alan practices health care law and advises United Refuah HealthShare in matters pertaining to medical laws and regulations. When Alan is not practicing law or volunteering, you can find him and his wife, Lisa, surrounded by their children and grandchildren.
Nathan Wiedemann received his BS in Finance from the University of Baltimore and his JD from Case Western Reserve University (2007).
He is currently Of Counsel at Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan and Aronof LLP law firm in Cleveland, Ohio. At Benesch, part of Nathan’s responsibilities are overseeing and facilitating transactions for companies in federally regulated industries, such as healthcare. He brings this experience to the United Refuah HealthShare board. Nathan is passionate in his belief that Jewish families should have access to a health care alternative. He resides with his wife, Devora, and their family in Lakewood, NJ.
Zvi Rokowsky, has been involved with United Refuah HealthShare since its inception.
He learned in the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia (1990-1996) and then studied in the Mir Yeshiva (Jerusalem) for almost ten years. Currently, Zvi is a real estate and property manager for Diversified Management Plus. He is involved in various initiatives to created affordable options for the myriad large expenses facing members of the Jewish community, such as weddings and healthcare. Zvi lives with his wife, Esti, and their children, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
Moishe Katz has a long history of health care advocacy.
As a Yeshiva student, he was appointed by the faculty to accompany fellow students on critical doctor and hospital visits to advocate and ensure that they received proper care. Subsequently, he worked in IT administration for Parameds.com for over a decade. In addition, Moishe spent nine years as the director of development for Torah Schools for Israel, where he honed his administrative skills. As the Director of Development, Moishe oversaw the fundraising efforts of 271 affiliated schools and built relationships with donors across continents. His integrity, compassion and commitment to the members of United Refuah HealthShare fosters a culture where member needs are always the highest priority. He received his BA in Talmudic Law from the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia. He and his wife, Shulamis, reside in Cleveland Heights, OH with their children.
Mike Sharman received his JD from the University of Wyoming (1983) and an LLM in International Taxation from Regent University School of Law.
Since the 1990s, Mike has represented and advocated for Approved Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs). Mike has personally represented HCSMs in administrative agencies, courts, and legislatures in over twenty states. He was instrumental in the founding of United Refuah HealthShare. Mike maintains a busy law practice, where he focuses on HCSM representation and child advocacy. Mike and his wife, Nancy, are proud parents and grandparents, with a strong passion for religious values. Mike’s personal and professional beliefs complement the mission and value system of United Refuah HealthShare, and his legal guidance and counsel are vital to our continued success.