In a moment that quietly made history, two Orthodox Jewish journalists were photographed learning Torah together inside the White House press briefing room — a space usually reserved for rapid-fire questions, breaking headlines, and political tension. Instead of microphones and press credentials dominating the scene, a sefer rested open between them. The image — featuring Jake Turx of Mishpacha Magazine and Shloime Zionce of Ami Magazine — is more than symbolic. It’s a statement. Faith and professionalism. Identity and excellence. Torah and journalism — not in conflict, but in harmony.
Jake Turx, widely recognized as the first Hasidic journalist to receive permanent White House press credentials, has become a trailblazer in political media. As a senior correspondent for Mishpacha Magazine, Turx has reported from the West Wing, interviewed global leaders, and brought nuanced, intelligent coverage to a readership that values both Torah perspective and world affairs. His presence in the press corps is not just representation — it is elevation. A Hasidic Jew standing confidently among the world’s most powerful institutions, asking thoughtful, sharp questions while remaining unapologetically anchored in his beliefs.
Beside him stands Shloime Zionce of Ami Magazine, a journalist known for immersive reporting and global investigative features. Zionce has traveled across continents — from remote Jewish communities to geopolitical flashpoints — documenting stories with depth, empathy, and clarity. His journalism bridges worlds: traditional and modern, religious and secular, local and international. In the White House press room, however, the story wasn’t politics. It was partnership. Two observant Jews carving out sacred time in a place built for headlines.
The scene speaks volumes about Orthodox Jewish representation in American media. It challenges outdated assumptions. It proves that one can wear a kippah, speak in the cadence of Torah, and still operate at the highest professional levels of national journalism. More than that — it suggests that perhaps the highest levels of journalism are strengthened by moral clarity, spiritual grounding, and intellectual discipline shaped by Torah learning.
And maybe that’s the real headline. Not just that two Orthodox journalists were learning together in the White House — but that they belong there. Fully. Authentically. Confidently. In an era searching for identity and integrity in media, the image of Jake Turx and Shloime Zionce learning side by side may quietly represent the future: principled voices asking hard questions, grounded in something eternal.
For readers in Silver Spring — one of the largest Orthodox Jewish communities in the Greater Washington D.C. area — the image carries particular meaning. Silver Spring has long been a hub of Torah learning, community leadership, and civic engagement. Seeing two visibly Orthodox journalists learning Torah inside the White House press room resonates deeply with a community that values both spiritual commitment and professional excellence. It reflects the ethos many Silver Spring families live every day: fully engaged in American society while unwavering in Jewish identity.
The presence of Jake Turx and Shloime Zionce in the White House also underscores the growing influence of Orthodox Jewish media beyond local communities like Silver Spring and the D.C. region. What was once considered niche journalism has become nationally relevant, shaping conversations at the highest levels. For young Jewish professionals in Silver Spring and across Maryland who aspire to careers in media, politics, or public service, the message is clear: you do not have to compromise who you are to sit at the table. You can bring Torah values into the room — even the White House press room
Photos taken by Aryeh Leib Abrams
