Summary of "Nathan Englander: Man on the Moon" - The Moth Podcast

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Moth
• Host/Author: The Moth
• Episode: Nathan Englander: Man on the Moon
• Release Date: June 1, 2009

Overview: In this gripping episode of The Moth, acclaimed author Nathan Englander shares a deeply personal and transformative story titled "Man on the Moon." Recorded live at The Moth’s main stage in collaboration with the World Science Festival, the narrative delves into Englander’s quest for peace through his move to Jerusalem, exploring themes of idealism, conflict, and personal growth amidst turmoil.

**1. The Quest for Peace: Deciding to Move to Jerusalem

[01:55]

Nathan Englander opens his story by setting the stage of his life in 1996. Living in Iowa City, Iowa, Englander, then a radically secular individual raised in a religious household, becomes consumed with the notion of creating peace in a region fraught with conflict.

“I was moving to Jerusalem to make peace. It was 1996 and I was living in Iowa City, Iowa, and peace was breaking out.”
— Nathan Englander [01:58]

His idealism is fueled by the geopolitical climate of the time, marked by peace agreements such as those between Israel and Egypt, and Israel and Jordan. Englander believes that he could contribute to lasting peace through his craft as a short story writer.

**2. Arrival in Jerusalem: Hopes and Realities

[03:30]

Upon arriving in Tel Aviv, Englander’s optimism is quickly challenged. He recounts his initial disillusionment when he seeks assistance at the airport, only to be rebuffed.

“He says to me, it's not too late. Go back.”
— Nathan Englander [04:10]

Despite setbacks, such as the assassination of the Prime Minister and ongoing bombings, Englander immerses himself in the vibrant yet precarious life of Jerusalem. He describes the neighborhood as a melting pot of artists, academics, and activists, living together in makeshift conditions.

“My house is patched with tin and chicken wire... it was just downright dangerous to live that way.”
— Nathan Englander [07:15]

**3. Life Amidst Conflict: Navigating Everyday Challenges

[06:00]

Englander paints a vivid picture of daily life in Jerusalem, balancing creative pursuits with the omnipresent threat of violence. He shares anecdotes that highlight the absurdities and dangers of living in the heart of a conflict zone.

“Lovely guy, lovely girlfriend wakes up and has a terrible venereal disease... being in the heart of the city.”
— Nathan Englander [09:45]

His roommate’s accidental electrocuting experience serves as a darkly humorous yet poignant metaphor for the unintended consequences of living in such an environment.

**4. Experiencing Bombings: Confronting Terror

[10:30]

A pivotal moment in the story occurs when Englander experiences multiple bombings firsthand. He describes the terror and chaos of witnessing explosions and the subsequent devastation.

“It is a horror. And just. You turn into an animal.”
— Nathan Englander [12:00]

Despite the trauma, Englander reveals an unwavering commitment to his cause, expressing a belief in the necessity of sacrifice for peace.

“I honestly believe you have to be willing to die for something.”
— Nathan Englander [11:50]

**5. A Shift in Perspective: Reevaluating Priorities

[12:45]

As the violence persists, Englander begins to question his unwavering idealism. Personal reflections lead him to recognize the value in ordinary, peaceful aspects of life that he had previously dismissed as “weak.”

“I just think any concerns that are basically what you would call a happy, normal life are somehow wrong. But I'm starting to think otherwise.”
— Nathan Englander [13:30]

This epiphany is catalyzed by a poignant interaction with a friend and his own experiences balancing between his dedication to peace and his yearning for normalcy.

**6. Return to New York: Embracing Dual Identities

[13:00]

The culmination of Englander’s journey is marked by his decision to sign a lease in New York City, symbolizing a reconciliation between his past and present selves. He acknowledges the internal conflict between his responsibilities in Jerusalem and his personal desires.

“It's peaceful, it's quiet. I'll do my writing. I deserve this life. It's okay.”
— Nathan Englander [13:50]

Englander portrays this decision as an acceptance of his complex identity, balancing his role as a peace-seeker with his own needs for happiness and stability.

Conclusion: Reflections on Peace and Personal Growth

Nathan Englander’s story eloquently captures the tumultuous journey of seeking peace in a land rife with conflict. His narrative underscores the tension between idealism and pragmatism, illustrating how personal growth often requires reevaluating long-held beliefs. Englander’s transformation from a steadfast idealist to someone who embraces the nuances of a balanced life serves as an inspiring testament to the complexities of human experience in the face of adversity.

Notable Quotes:

• “Peace is impossible. We'll still do it, you know,”
  — Nathan Englander [11:40]

• “It's Honestly the least, the least of Jerusalem life.”
  — Nathan Englander [08:20]

• “If you die from it, you die from hummus, you know?”
  — Nathan Englander [13:10]

Final Thoughts: Nathan Englander’s "Man on the Moon" is a compelling narrative that intertwines personal ambition with the harsh realities of living in a conflict zone. Through his storytelling, listeners are invited to explore the delicate balance between striving for a greater good and recognizing the importance of personal well-being.