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

Afraid to let the moment disappear, Jared launched back into Shai, kissing him once more, this time, opening his lips and letting his tongue slip into Shai’s warm and waiting mouth. Their lips locked, their jaws tightened, and Jared heard a throaty moan come from Shai.


“Jared,” he gasped, “Jared, I…can’t…oh, God!”


They kissed again and again, then Jared tugged at Shai until the taller man lay his head upon Jared’s ready shoulder. Jared said nothing, only stroked Shai’s hair, careful not to dislodge his kippah.


“Uhhhh,” sighed Shai, as if lost for words.


“It’s alright. Thank you, Shai. Thank you.” Jared was afraid Shai might freak out again, even freak out and run away from him. But no, this time Shai stayed in his arms, collapsed and powerless before this mighty force, the force of two men falling in love.


“You—that’s the first time I’ve kissed anyone I wasn’t related to.”


Chapter 21