Shining a Spotlight on Maya Zinkow
Posted on Mar 24, 2021
On January 5, 2021, JTS Rabbinical Student Maya Zinkow was the guest speaker at the Torah Fund benefit held by my synagogue. She was introduced to me by the Torah Fund Director, Lisa Paule.
Maya comes from a family of rabbis representing all three denominations of Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox. Their family dynamics are most unusual and their relationships were strengthened during the pandemic. You can read an article about this written for E-Jewish Philanthropy entitled The Blessings in 2020’s Losses.
I asked Maya a few questions about her education and this is her story in her own words.
“I grew up in the Midwest, the daughter of two rabbis. I never thought I’d follow in my parents’ footsteps, yet as I grew and developed Jewishly on my own and with the help of many precious mentors, I came to the rabbinate with a sense of calling. Every piece of who I am – a teacher, a learner, a storyteller – converges at “rabbi.” It is a gift and a blessing to be able to come to this work, to serve the Jewish people with a sense of purpose and passion. As I take my steps into the rabbinate, I am girded with the wisdom of my ancestors, with the voices of feminist scholars and thinkers, and with a deep sense of gratitude to God and to those who have nurtured me to this moment. I am eager and excited to see what comes next, to serve and help build the next chapter of the American Jewish story!”
Maya has been working as a rabbinic intern at Romemu Yeshiva and the Columbia/Barnard Hillel. Yasher Koach to Maya Zinkow! We look forward to hearing about her future endeavors.
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