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

“I know. You’re so right. I told myself way back in college that I would never date a closeted guy again. It’s just way too much hassle and they never have their shit figured out and then you end up being the bad guy all the time.”


“How’d you meet?” asked Barbara, as if trying to be supportive.


“Oh, so it’s been what?” said Barbara, pretending to check her watch. “Thirty-six hours? And you’re wondering why you’re not having sex yet?”


“Ha! Right. It’s not like that this time. This guy is different,” said Jared, before leaning forward and softening his voice. “He’s Orthodox!”


Chapter 10