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

She looked up at Shai, who only shrugged. “I’m ignoring you, son. This is my house, and if I wanna say damn, I’m gonna say damn. I’ve heard you say a lot worse.” She turned to Shai. “I’m sorry if I offended you.”


“It’s fine,” said Shai and chuckled. “Really, you guys, just be yourselves. I’m fine. Remember, I play basketball. I’ve heard much, much worse on the court.”


“Yeah, but she needs to be more sensitive,” said Jared.


“You hear that?” said his mother. “My grown-up gay son is telling me to be more sensitive. Ha!”


“Being Orthodox is not about telling others how to live their lives,” said Shai, suddenly serious. “It’s more about how I choose to live my life. They are my rules, not yours.”


“Hallelujah,” cried Jared’s mom. “A voice of reason. You hear that, son? There’s a Jew who actually knowshis religion. Marry that man.”


“Mom!” cried Jared, incensed that she would even address their relationship. All he had told her was that Shai was a friend. Nothing more.


Chapter 24