The Fifth Question - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

The Fifth Question

by Mira Sucharov

Quinoa and Orthodox Judaism's relevancy problem

The question of long-term vitality of Judaism may ultimately come down to the question of relevance and whether Orthodox Jews are seen more as keepers of the faith or gatekeepers of the faith.

By Mira Sucharov | Mar 15, 2013 | 12:57 PM | 2

Quinoa and butternut squash salad with dried tomato powder

House of Cards, the Oscars 2013 and Jewish power
By Allison Kaplan Sommer | 17
Blackface on Purim: Is anybody listening?
By Mira Sucharov | 2
Valentine's Day may not be a Jewish holiday, but I wouldn't want it to disappear
By Mira Sucharov | 4

What the case of Khader Adnan can teach us about Twitter morality

One man remains alive while Israeli authorities get to catch their breath.

By Mira Sucharov | Feb 23, 2012 | 08:52 AM

Nestled in the stones of Lifta, a stark reminder of purity and conflict

Keeping this physical site of memory alive may serve as an important marketplace of ideas and emotion, one that can enable a bit of empathy to flourish amidst the stones.

By Mira Sucharov | Feb 8, 2012 | 10:14 AM

nabi saleh - Miki Kratsman - December 12 2011

When political discourse turns to bullets, real and imaginary

Children worry, but they worry about themselves, wrapped in their own fears of abandonment or injury. Only when we’re able to worry about others, have we really grown up.

By Mira Sucharov | Jan 28, 2012 | 09:22 AM | 4

A revival of old-time songs can be Israel’s revival too

Without the broader-market pressures of an American-Idol type of show, contestants will have the opportunity to sing honestly and openly. From the opening chords, a dialogue leading to empathy might just result.

By Mira Sucharov | Jan 13, 2012 | 12:07 PM

Four individuals who enriched my life in 2011

If Jewish ethics through Pirkei Avot instructs us to 'make for yourself a teacher, and acquire for yourself a friend,' I am all the richer because of the people I have met.

By Mira Sucharov | Dec 28, 2011 | 12:41 PM

Israeli flag in Silwan - Emil Salman - December 2011

Jewish leaders mustn't be afraid to reject unethical policies

Disheartening as it must be for those still committed to the organization, maybe Morrison’s letter will serve as a flaming baton of change -- if others are ready to grasp it and run with it.

By Mira Sucharov | Dec 19, 2011 | 10:33 AM | 2

Women singing - Olivier Fitoussi - 13112011

Let Jerusalem beat to the rhythm of a hip-hop song

The Israeli group Hadag Nachash delivers particular insight into true nature of the holy city.

| Dec 6, 2011 | 02:49 PM

March in East Jerusalem - Emil Salman - 2010

How Liberal Jews can stay progressive and love Israel, too

What could be a very fruitful discussion about values, ethics and policy instead comes to resemble a boxing ring, with everyone in their corners primed to fight. But contrary to what some may think, progressive Jews can love Israel and religious Jews can love peace.

By Mira Sucharov | Nov 21, 2011 | 10:35 AM | 8

The fine line between bigotry and fair cultural critique

Why, when I see other cultures being critiqued, do I sometimes bristle, while at other times I welcome it as thoughtful analysis?

By Mira Sucharov | Nov 6, 2011 | 11:00 AM | 2

Gilad Shalit on phone to family - IDF spokesman - October 18 2011

With Shalit home, Israel should live by Jewish values and seek peace

This week, let us shout and sing that Gilad is home. But next week, let us pause to listen closely for ways to eke out a new peace.

By Mira Sucharov | Oct 21, 2011 | 03:24 PM | 3

About this blog

Mira Sucharov is Associate Professor of Political Science and Assistant Dean, Faculty of Public Affairs, at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. A child of the 70s and 80s in two tight-knit Canadian Jewish communities, Mira wrestles with the role of tradition in light of contemporary values, the links between narratives and identity, and the Diaspora relationship with Israel. She is the author of The International Self: Psychoanalysis and the Search for Israeli-Palestinian Peace (SUNY Press), and is a 2010 recipient of a Rockower Award for Excellence in Jewish Journalism. She is currently writing a book on nostalgia and political change.