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

“No,” said Shai, obviously determined. “My family doesn’t want me. They made it clear.” His voice broke once more. “But I don’t care right now. I’m with you. I want to be with you, Jared. You’ve opened up a part of me I’ve kept locked away for years and years. And I’m grateful.”


He kissed Jared on the lips, a sweet peck. Then he returned for a longer, more sensual, and lingering kiss.


Shai pulled away and turned bossy. “Now we gotta go. Plane’s not gonna wait for us.”


“But how are you going to pack? What are you going to wear?”


“Doesn’t matter. I have my ID, they’ll let me board, and if I don’t get out of Brooklyn tonight, I’m going to scream.”


“Alright—sheesh. But I’m packing a carry-on.”


“Fine. But I’m calling a car. You got five minutes, Mister.”


We already sound like a married couple, thought Jared. 8: Day 8


Chapter 31