A Shared Legacy of Leadership: The Zinn Siblings and Their Journey Through Hebrew Union College
June 9, 2025
When Julia Zinn graduated from Hebrew Union College’s Executive M.A. Program in Jewish Education this year, she marked more than a personal milestone; she became the third Zinn sibling to deepen a shared family legacy of Jewish learning and leadership. Her brothers, Rabbi Todd Zinn ’17, Rabbi at Falmouth Jewish Congregation, and Rabbi Jonah Zinn ’14, Executive Director of UF Hillel, found their sacred calling in rabbinic leadership through Hebrew Union College, and together the siblings now share a unique and deeply meaningful bond through their studies and service to the Jewish community.
“Our Jewish values and connection to our community was always a huge part of our lives and how we related to each other as a family,” Julia reflects. “That’s what led us all to pursue studying at Hebrew Union College.”
Growing up in a home filled with Jewish tradition, learning, and communal engagement in Worcester, MA, the Zinn siblings, Jonah, Todd, and Julia, each found their own path into Jewish professional life. Their shared roots came from parents who, though raised in culturally Jewish households, chose to build an intentionally rich and meaningful Jewish home for their children. “Jewish life begins at home,” Todd says. “Our parents put a lot of time and resources into building a Jewish home for us… Their goal of instilling in us a deep love for and appreciation of Judaism and Jewish community was absolutely realized.”
For each sibling, Hebrew Union College offered more than academic study, it was a transformative environment that helped shape their identities as Jewish leaders. “It gave me the tools and confidence to share my love for Jewish tradition, help create meaningful experiences, and support individuals and communities as they find their way in our ever-changing world,” says Jonah.
Julia, the most recent graduate, chose the Executive M.A. Program in Jewish Education for its real-time application of learning to professional practice. “Realizing that the things I was learning in class directly related to my life at the time was really impactful,” she shares. “It enhanced the experience and encouraged me to dive deeper.”
Though each of the siblings had their own Hebrew Union College journey, their connection to each other became even more meaningful through their shared educational path. “My brothers were a big part of the reason I applied to the EMA,” says Julia. “With my brothers being so much older than me, we haven’t always had that many common interests, so sharing this connection is so special to me. It brings us together in a really unique way.”
Todd agrees, “Sharing a similar career path has added a layer of meaning to our relationships. Knowing that we each understand the unique challenges of being a Jewish professional deepens our connection.”
And beyond the personal impact, the Zinn siblings see their shared educational experience as part of a broader commitment to community. “I hope that we can continue to strengthen our Jewish identities as individuals and as a family,” says Julia. Todd adds, “I hope we are able to help others create vibrant, meaningful Jewish lives.”
“Reform Jewish leadership has always been at the heart of our family,” Jonah echoes. “Continuing our Jewish learning at Hebrew Union College feels like a meaningful way to carry that legacy forward.”
For the Zinn siblings, a Hebrew Union College education is both a shared experience and a promise, of leadership rooted in values, of a future built on tradition, and of the enduring strength of community.