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

Shai emerged from the station like a spy, checking behind him and moving along the brick wall of the nearest building, clearly anxious. Jared admired him from across the street—Shai wore polished leather lace-up boots, pinstripe slacks, and a heather grey, herringbone wool coat, which Jared priced out to be at least $800, or far more if it came from some luxury brand. Around his neck, he wore a fine black cashmere scarf that hung nearly to his waist. God, he’s a good dresser, thought Jared.


“Shai! Over here.” Jared waved his arm.


Shai quickly slinked his way across the street, head down and shoulders folded inward. “Hey,” he said, shaking Jared’s hand at the same time Jared tried to hug him.


Chapter 11