Meet Stephen Knable

From his earliest memories as a preschooler at Chizuk Amuno (now Goldsmith Early Childhood Center), and later attending synagogue as a young child, Stephen Knable recalls the excitement and sense of belonging he felt wandering the building’s halls. There was something special about participating in Jewish traditions and being part of a Jewish community—one his parents and grandparents had made a commitment to sustaining.

Today, Stephen is continuing in his family’s footsteps (his mom, Nina Rosenzwog has held numerous Associated leadership roles) by giving back to Jewish Baltimore. Recently, he received The Associated’s Harry Greenstein Young Leadership Awared, with Chavi Abramson, for his dedication to The Associated’s Annual Campaign. This month, he also chairs an Evening with Dan Senor, along with his wife, Tayla.

Here are eight things to know about Stephen.

A Family Mission to Israel Began His Associated Journey

“My mother felt very strongly about taking her children on a Family Mission to Israel. We went when I was 23; my half-brother was 11. I was older than the kids, and younger than the parents, so it was an interesting dynamic for me, but it truly had an impact.

I came back and began to dive head-in to The Associated. I joined Impact (now the Young Adult Division). I sat on young adult committees, participated in YLC (Young Leadership Cabinet) and joined agency boards.

His first leadership role was co-chairing Tel Aviv One.

For decades, JFNA (the Jewish Federations of North America) held a Washington Conference for Jewish young leaders across the country. In 2006, they decided to shift and move the conference to Tel Aviv.

Stephen co-chaired the inaugural Baltimore group to Israel, designed to engage the next generation of Jewish leaders to their community and to Israel. Baltimore sent 40 young adults to Tel Aviv. Subsequently, Stephen travelled to Israel on a half dozen additional Associated missions, leading a few of those as well.

Why The Associated Matters

“First of all, I’m cognizant of being from a multi-generational Baltimore family, and Baltimore’s Jewish community should never be taken for granted. If we want to sustain it for future generations, we must put the time and energy and resources into it to make sure it remains strong.

Second, I believe the work of our agency network, particularly the Baltimore Jewish Council, and the role it plays in government affairs and interdenominational relations. We must continue to advocate at every level of decision-making if we want to ensure that our Jewish voice and priorities are heard and addressed.

Third, the work The Associated does with various teen programs on college campuses like Johns Hopkins Hillel where I am getting more involved, and anything to empower the next generation is so critical.

Finally, I’m deeply proud of our community’s enduring connection to Israel and to our partner city of Ashkelon. That bond has only grown stronger since October 7. Particularly, it remains one of the most meaningful and emotional connections for my wife, Tayla , as well as myself.”

Israel is a magical, beautiful and complicated place.

“It’s more misunderstood than anywhere else on the planet. You can’t really understand it until you cut through the noise and see it with your own eyes. By traveling there, you get a real picture of how important Israel is to world Jewry and American Jews. I highly recommend anyone go to Israel to truly understand why so many Jews feel such a connection to this historic homeland.

His hope for the future of Jewish Baltimore.

“We are a small part of the world. We need to look out for each other and stay united. We are keepers of thousands of years of culture, history and tradition and if we don’t pass this along, then who will.”

For Stephen, Baltimore is the happiest place on earth.

This Baltimore native loves the city he was born and raised in. “It has amazing neighborhoods, history, sports teams and is close to everything – the Bay, D.C. and the ocean. You can find everything you need in this quirky, amazing, big/little city.”

Where you will find him on the weekend.

“I’m either at my kids sporting events or tackling some crazy, new physical challenge. I love to run marathons, triathlons, and go hiking. Hopefully i can find more time to play golf soon.”

His personal goal.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Learn more about our Leadership awards.

Meet Stephen Knable

Meet Stephen Knable

A Family Mission to Israel Began His Associated Journey