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

“A gentleman,” said Jared’s mother, nodding to Shai. “You’re a true gentleman, and I didn’t think there were any left in New York City. Jared?”


He looked up at his mother, upset that she would go full mother-in-law on his relationship just as it was getting started. She normally gave him his space.


“Why don’t you go and get the dessert? It’s on the counter. And bring out the small plates—the green ones I made before you were born!”


Chapter 25