In this episode of ‘Jews in Space,’ host Sarah Einstein engages in a thoughtful conversation with author Tom Balazs. They discuss his literary journey from social realism to speculative fiction and horror, explore the impact of writing within various genres, and reflect on the importance of speculative fiction in understanding the human condition. They contemplate the complexities of maintaining Jewish identity and tradition on an ark ship while considering which essential works of Jewish literature and legacy should accompany them on their journey. Together, they also emphasize resilience and creativity as core aspects of Jewish history and storytelling.
Read Tree Candles by Tom Balazs.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:27 Reflecting on Loss and Current Events
02:46 Discussing Writing and Speculative Fiction
04:10 Journey from Social Realism to Horror
11:40 Teaching Speculative Fiction
15:33 The Emissary and Jewish Vampires
16:36 Speculative Fiction and Jewish Tradition
17:42 Comic Books and Influences
22:59 Tree Candles and Parenting
25:10 Life on the Ark Ship
28:55 Debating Jewish Diversity in Space
31:58 Personal History: From Holocaust to Christianity
34:07 Rediscovering Judaism in Israel
34:50 The Importance of Jewish Stories Beyond the Holocaust
47:51 Building a Jewish Library for Space
54:27 Concluding Thoughts and Hanukkah Plans
