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

“Well, this is what it means to be gay,” said Jared, wondering if that was even true. “It’s two men together, that’s all.”


“And it’s time for me to go,” said Shai, pulling away. “That’s what it means to be Orthodox.”


Shai shook his head. “Someone might see us together. Don’t worry, I’ll text you.”


“Promise?” asked Jared, trying not to sound too needy.


“I promise,” said Shai, who surprised Jared by leaning in and giving him a hug. “Goodbye, Jared. Thanks for the walk!” And with that, he continued down the High Line to the closest stairs and disappeared below, leaving Jared alone, above the city, watching the million-and-one lights of Manhattan twinkling yellow-orange in the cold, December dusk. 4: Day 4


SHAI: Can you come to Midtown today? I might be able to take a long lunch.


Chapter 13