Congregation Shaare Emeth formally installed Rabbi Jonah Zinn as assistant rabbi on Dec. 5 in a Kabbalat Shabbat and installation service.

Zinn’s cousin, Rabbi David Weiner of Congregation Knesset Israel in Pittsfield, Mass., officiated at the installation, joining Shaare Emeth’s Rabbi Jim Bennett, Rabbi Andrea Goldstein, Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman and Cantor Seth Warner. 

Zinn and his wife, Jamie, joined the Congregation in July 2014, following his ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. He completed his undergraduate studies in political science at The George Washington University in 2004. From 2012 to 2014 during his rabbinical studies, he served Temple Sinai of Bergen County in Tenafly, N.J., and completed clinical pastoral education at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, N.J. 

“Shaare Emeth felt like the perfect match from our first visit,”  Zinn said in a news release. “In my short time here, they have placed tremendous trust in me, allowing me to try new things to engage youth and young adults in Jewish life. I feel so fortunate to be part of such a caring, forward-thinking congregation.”

Zinn also has focused his efforts on creating opportunities to engage young adults and young families in Jewish life. By hosting thoughtful and meaningful one-to-one conversations over coffee with young Jewish adults,  Zinn has worked to identify their spiritual and “big picture” needs. 

“Rabbi Zinn has been here just five months and already he has made a significant impact on our congregation, especially with our teens and young adults,” said Rabbi Bennett. “We are blessed to be working with him and to be installing him as Congregation Shaare Emeth’s newest rabbi.”