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

“Mom, he’s not used to this—your flirting and joking—so can you just treat him normal?” Jared was getting anxious and upset, so Shai intervened.


“It’s fine, Jared. I’m fine. Sharon, this wine is lovely, really wonderful. What is it?”


“Don’t worry, it’s kosher. Jared made sure of it! I got it from my friend’s shop up in Hackensak. It’s from Argentina. Pretty good, no?”


Scented clouds of steam wafted in from the kitchen while pots simmered on the stove, but Jared’s mom stood silent and pensive—she had dinner under control. Now she was focused on this new man in her apartment, the object of her only son’s affections.


“So you like wine?” she asked, raising her eyebrows. She took a sip from her own glass, then set it down and wiped her hands on her apron.


“As much as anybody else, I guess,” said Shai, who seemed to be wondering if it was a trick question. “Normally we just drink it with Sabbath dinner, or for celebrations.”


Chapter 22