Fly through it all the time, but don't change planes there.
You didn't say which terminal you're coming in.
Zurich terminal is sprawled out, with a center concourse that everyone shares. E is way out on one end, and they post "Travel Times" to let you know how long you'll make it to the gate. That time is usually 15-20 minutes.
Security is after passport/boarding pass control, and after the main concourse, so changing terminals will probably mean another x-ray trip. Usually when I go through this is a breeze, but I've seen it back up.
The big concern will be the "Additional Security" at the plane. Last time I flew to the US it was through AMS, and the last interview took _a long time_. The good news is, if you're in that line, you'll be on the plane.
The short answer: You can probably make it.
The long answer: well, you can, but also remember that Switzerland is right in the middle of Europe, which has probably the densest concentration of air traffic in the world. Wherever you're going, you'll need to get a slot. Perturbations in the system (=delays) have a way of multiplying. Zurich is even more complicated, because of byzantine arrangements with the Germans (who *****ed enough about aircraft descending from 10,000 feet over the black forest that the number of aircraft coming that way is limited), and the fact that most of Swiss airspace is designated as F/A-18 playground.
Of course, in November, you'll see fog and perhaps snow that can slow or stop traffic.
The concessions at ZRH are about as expensive as anywhere else in the world. There are plenty of places to watch the pretty airplanes, however. Some of those cost money though.
So here's what else it depends on:
If you miss your flight, what then? Is there another flight the same day? If the weather's bad, and they invoke the rule that says they don't have to pay your lodgings for the night, who's gonna shell it out?
How early in the morning do you need to get up for the 4-hour connection?
Oh, and be sure to call Swiss "Lufthansa South". They love that.
