Twenty-five-year-old TV producer Jared Greenfield loves his big city life -- job, friends, and shopping -- but even with all the fun of big city life, he feels a longing for something, or someone, more. Then, on the very first night of Hanukkah, he spots a handsome, sweaty basketball player at the Jewish Community Center.<br><br>Tall, dark, and Orthodox, the young and athletic Shai Goodhart strikes up an easy friendship with Jared, only to discover Jared has very little appreciation for his own Jewish heritage and religion. Determined to enlighten this “Bad Jew,” Shai invites him over for a family Hanukkah celebration.<br><br>Then Jared discovers Shai’s deepest secret and the biggest threat to his future. Over the eight days of Hanukkah, deep emotions pull them closer and closer together. Can they ever reach across the divide of their shared culture and fall in love?

Hanukkah Gifts

“You must think I’m a total mess,” said Shai, finally composing himself. “It’s just—I have nobody else to talk to. I saw you on the train and thought you were handsome, and that maybe, just maybe, you were like me—that way.”


“We’re all a bit of a mess, honey,” said Jared with a bit of campy flair, still hugging Shai close. “And for what it’s worth, I thought you were pretty dashing, too. You and Rebekah sure would make some pretty little kiddies.”


Shai gave a little laugh until his face turned into a frown and he began to cry all over again, the tears running even faster than before.


Jared responded by just hugging him tighter. “There, there—it’s gonna be all right,” he whispered. Another minute passed.


“This feels so good,” whimpered Shai. “Why is it forbidden?”


“It feels good because you’re gay,” said Jared. “And it’s not forbidden. Not in my book. It’s called a hug, okay? Two men can hug.”


“Okay,” accepted Shai the moment Jared pulled away.


Chapter 9