Board Members
Meet the Bikur Cholim Board Members
Dov Berman
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Dov Berman is the CFO of NewVista Healthcare and holds a Master’s in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University. A native of Savannah, Georgia, he brings energy, professionalism, and a 'never say no' attitude to his board service. As a member of the finance committee, he devotes significant time to Bikur Cholim’s growth. He also serves on the board of Hebrew Academy and completed the Mandel Leadership Symposium sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.
Josh Botnick
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Josh Botnick is a senior corporate banker at Huntington Bank and Principal of Morningside Partners. His personal connection to Bikur Cholim began with the care the organization provided to a close friend and later for his family. Deeply grateful, he now serves as a board member. Josh also serves on the boards of Young Israel, the Community Mikvah, and Mosaic United, and is a past president of the Kollel of Young Israel.
Harry M. Brown
Founding Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Harry M. Brown is a founding member of the board of directors of Bikur Cholim of Cleveland.
He is a partner at the national law firm of Benesch Friedlander Coplan and Aronoff and founded its Health Care Department.
Mr. Brown is recognized as a nationally sought after healthcare lawyer and has been recognized in numerous peer–reviewed rankings and publications.
He is also a founding member of the Cleveland Jewish Sacred Society, serves as a national vice president of Agudath Israel of America, and has represented many nonprofit organizations, as well as individuals, in the vindication of their rights to religious observance.
Perl Brown
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Mrs. Perl Brown is also a founding board member of Bikur Cholim of Cleveland, and is a retired, licensed nursing home administrator. She has participated in and chaired numerous nonprofit and charitable organizations.
Jessica Cohen
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
A proud Cleveland Heights resident for 16 years, Jessica Cohen has spent more than a decade working to strengthen our community, champion smart policy, and lead with integrity. Her commitment to public service in Cleveland Heights began in 2013, when she was appointed to the Citizens Advisory Committee. There, she collaborated with neighbors and local nonprofits to recommend allocations for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding that directly benefit Cleveland Heights residents. In 2015, the City Council appointed her to the Cleveland Heights Planning Commission, where she has served as Chair since 2019.
Professionally, Jessica is an attorney and public policy leader. As Policy Counsel at Verizon, she leads legal and regulatory analysis on issues including cybersecurity, privacy, artificial intelligence, and federal agency oversight. She builds coalitions, develops advocacy strategies, and helps shape the company’s national approach to cutting-edge tech and consumer protection issues.
Before entering the legal field, Jessica worked in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. She held senior roles at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland—where she became a recognized leader in external affairs—and later served as Vice President of External Affairs for a Cleveland-based nonprofit technology start-up. Earlier in her career, she served on the staff of U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, advocating for public health, education, and economic equity at the federal level.
Jessica remains deeply engaged in public service. In addition to chairing the Cleveland Heights Planning Commission, she serves on the boards of the State Privacy and Security Coalition and Bikur Cholim of Cleveland (a Jewish health support organization), and is a longtime volunteer leader at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, serving on both its Human Resources and Community Relations Committees. She also plays a national role in her legal field, serving as a Presidential Appointee to the American Bar Association's Cybersecurity Legal Task Force and participating in the ABA’s Antitrust Section and Privacy and Information Security Committee. She is also a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).
Jessica has been recognized with multiple honors for her leadership, service, and impact, including:
- Crain's Cleveland Business Forty Under 40 (2015)
- Cleveland Jewish News Difference Maker (2019)
- Cleveland 2030 Club – 25 Under 35 Movers and Shakers Award (2020)
- Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio Woman of Distinction (2023)
- Federal Communications Bar Association Foundation Law School Scholarship (2022)
- Cleveland State University College of Law Alumni Association Scholarship (2022)
- International Association of Privacy Professionals Westin Scholar Award (2023)
Jessica earned her undergraduate degree in Government from Harvard University, graduating with citations in both Spanish and Hebrew. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University, and received her Juris Doctor summa cum laude from Cleveland State University College of Law, where she graduated #1 in her class. At CSU, she earned a Certificate in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, was a Dean’s Leadership Fellow, an IAPP Westin Scholar, and served as Submissions Editor for the Cleveland State Law Review.
When she’s not working or volunteering, Jessica is a devoted wife and mom who enjoys historical and women’s fiction, biographies, the Broadway series at Playhouse Square, and finding time to hop on her Peloton. She and her husband, Eric, a Cleveland Heights public school teacher, have five children.
Reuven Dessler
Chairman, Bikur Cholim
Reuven Dessler is the founder and CEO of The Mazel Company and Aurora Wholesalers, the largest closeout wholesaler in North America. He is also a passionate philanthropist and community leader, serving as founder of Operation Open Curtain and board member of Hebrew Academy of Cleveland and Agudath Israel. He has led Bikur Cholim with vision and generosity for many years.
Suri Fleisher
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Suri Fleisher holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and is a former special education teacher and behavior interventionist. A mother of seven and active volunteer, she brings warmth and compassion to her role at Bikur Cholim, visiting patients at Cleveland Clinic and assisting local and visiting families through the organization’s outreach.
Dr. Howard Goldman
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Dr. Howard Goldman is a nationally renowned urologist and Professor at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. With over 250 publications and hundreds of lectures, he is a leader in surgical innovation and patient safety. Dr. Goldman also serves on the board of the Hebrew Academy and Bikur Cholim, where he applies his medical insight to support patients and their families.
Yosef Greenberger
Vice Chairman, Bikur Cholim
After a 30-year career as a Technical Architect, Yosef Greenberger shifted his focus to build a successful audio/visual business. A dedicated community volunteer, he brings strategic thinking and calm leadership to his role at Bikur Cholim. As Vice Chairman, he helps shape the organization's vision and ensures that families receive compassionate care and support.
Dr. Michael A. Harris
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Dr. Michael Harris is a board-certified physiatrist and Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Case Western Reserve University and MetroHealth Medical Center. He has served in numerous leadership roles, including Medical Director of WorkLink Industrial Rehab and Director of Subacute Rehab at Broadview Multi-Care. With decades of clinical, academic, and research contributions, Dr. Harris brings both expertise and compassion to his role on the Bikur Cholim board, supporting patients navigating complex medical challenges.
Sheila Howitt
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
A longtime resident of Cleveland Heights, Sheila earned her B.A. in Biology from Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University in 1972, followed by an M.S. in Epidemiology from Columbia University’s School of Public Health in 1976.
Sheila’s connection to Bikur Cholim spans 25 years, during which time she witnessed the extraordinary care and compassion Bikur Cholim offers to Jewish patients and caregivers locally, nationally, and internationally. According to Sheila, “The organization spares no effort in providing a wide spectrum of services tailored to individual needs, while also pursuing innovative opportunities and developing new initiatives that strengthen the community as a whole.”
Ari Jaffe
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Ari Jaffe is Of Counsel at Kohrman Jackson & Krantz, where he represents clients in complex business litigation. With more than 35 years of legal experience, he is recognized in Super Lawyers and numerous legal publications. A longtime board member of Bikur Cholim, Ari is also deeply involved in the development of new infrastructure to support patient families near the Cleveland Clinic.
Chany Klein
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Chany Klein is a community-focused graphic designer, small business owner, and devoted mother. Her work in design and communication helps Bikur Cholim share its mission effectively with the broader public. As a longtime board member, she brings both strategic insight and a deep understanding of local families’ needs.
Ita Klein
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Ita Klein, a native of Israel and longtime Cleveland resident, has devoted her life to helping others. She serves as Board Chair of Amudim, a global crisis intervention organization, and is deeply engaged in the Cleveland Jewish community. At Bikur Cholim, she provides leadership and insight drawn from years of nonprofit and community experience. She has also served on the boards of Project Witness and the Cleveland Chevra Kadisha.
Shoshie Klein
Board Member & Medical Referral Specialist, Bikur Cholim
Shoshie Klein holds a BA in Psychology from Touro College and currently serves as a medical referral specialist at Bikur Cholim. She works closely with physicians to expedite referrals and improve patient access to care. As. A board member, she plays a critical role in helping guide the organization's advocacy and outreach services.
Yoni Klein
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Yoni Klein is the owner of MFS Supply, a national kitchen supply distributor. He is an engaged leader in the Jewish community, serving on the boards of Bikur Cholim, Amudim Community Resources, JEC of Cleveland, and the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland. Yoni brings business acumen and heartfelt dedication to every organization he serves.
Jake Koval
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Jake Koval is the Chief Operating Officer of The Mazel Company, where he oversees operations and strategic growth. With a strong background in leadership and a passion for community service, Jake plays an active role in guiding Bikur Cholim’s initiatives. His commitment ensures that vital support services reach patients and families during medical crises.
Rochel Koval
Life Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Born in Tel Aviv and raised in New York, Rochel Koval has dedicated her life to education and community service. After moving to Cleveland in 1969, she became an active volunteer in Bikur Cholim, helping shape the organization from its earliest days. A committed member of the Jewish Sacred Society, Rochel continues to support Israeli patients who come to Cleveland for their medical care and others in need with warmth and compassion.
Dave Malcmacher
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Born and raised in Cleveland, Dave Malcmacher brings a lifelong commitment to Jewish community service. He is the COO of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and actively serves on the boards of Bikur Cholim, Agudas Yisroel, and Chaverim of Cleveland. Inspired by his parents’ dedication to chessed, Dave combines leadership, professionalism, and heart in everything he does.
Dr. Ian Neeland
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Dr. Ian Neeland is a cardiologist and national leader in cardiovascular prevention at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University. With over 170 publications and numerous national appointments, he offers clinical and research expertise. As a board member of Bikur Cholim, he supports the organization's efforts to improve health access and navigation for patients in need.
Dr. Michael J. Pollack
President, Bikur Cholim
Dr. Michael Pollack is a staff gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic and serves as President of Bikur Cholim of Cleveland. He is also Vice President of Young Israel of Greater Cleveland and has held multiple leadership positions in the Cleveland Clinic's gastroenterology division. Dr. Pollack is a lecturer at CWRU School of Medicine and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in gastrointestinal research. His commitment to the Jewish community is deeply integrated with his professional excellence.
Esti Rokowsky
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Esti Rokowsky (nee Levitansky) was raised and educated in Chicago. She moved to Cleveland 18 years ago, immediately joining the small Bikur Cholim staff operating out of the basement of the original guest house. She took care of hospitality and maintenance at the 5 Bikur Cholim guest homes before retiring last year to focus on her family. She lives in Cleveland Heights with her husband Tzvi and their children.
Dr. Daniel Schwartz
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Raised in Highland Park, NJ, Dr. Daniel Schwartz is a practicing oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Beachwood, Ohio. He holds degrees from Yeshiva University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Case Western Reserve University. A former chief resident at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Daniel brings both medical expertise and strong community values to the Bikur Cholim board. He is also active in other local institutions, including synagogues and schools.
Sora Shapiro
Life Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Originally from Detroit, Sora Shapiro became involved with Bikur Cholim after moving to Cleveland. A visionary leader, she helped secure the organization’s first guest home and establish the first kosher pantry in a local hospital. Under her guidance, Bikur Cholim evolved into a world-class model of medical hospitality, welcoming guests from around the globe.
Abraham (Avi) Spira
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Avi Spira is a managing associate at the law firm of Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP, where he focuses on healthcare transactions and regulatory compliance. He works closely with long-term care facilities, behavioral health providers, and investors in the healthcare sector. A member of the Ohio State Bar and recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, Avi brings legal expertise and compassionate leadership to the Bikur Cholim board.
Andrew Yuspeh
Vice President, Bikur Cholim
Andrew Yuspeh graduated with honors in Religious Studies from Yale University in 2003 and went on to earn his law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 2006. Andrew is the founding partner of Yuspeh Rappaport Law LLC, where he focuses on plaintiff’s personal injury law. In addition to his involvement in Bikur Cholim, he is a member of the Board of Directors at the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland. He and his wife are blessed with nine children.
Donny Zigdon
Board Member, Bikur Cholim
Donny Zigdon is the fourth-generation owner of Acme Fence and a board member and partner at Lake City Plating. He holds an MBA from John Carroll University and a Bachelor's in Talmudic Letters from Israel. Donny serves on several nonprofit boards in Cleveland, including the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and The Sephardic Congregation of Cleveland.
