Since Jonah knows he can’t change being gay, he assumes he must change being Jewish. Jonah grew up in a religious household and his parents were very clear that homosexuality and Judaism are incompatible in their eyes. So if he is going to be a secular Christian, why not a secular Jew?īut as we get further into the story, and learn more of Jonah’s history, things began to work better for me. Especially because it is not as if most ultra conservative Christians are any more embracing of homosexuality than many ultra religious Jews. I found myself a little frustrated with his single mindedness, as I wasn’t sure why a rejection of his very religious upbringing needed to turn into a complete change of religion.

He is also determined that his dream man be non-Jewish and has decided to embrace Christmas, right down to the ugly sweater. Jonah is pretty awkward and self-pitying, looking to find a guy but sure he has no chance of success. I did find the start of this one just a little rocky. So when I saw this one was part of the Dreamspinner Advent series this year, I grabbed it right up. I am always on the lookout for good stories featuring Jewish characters, especially during the holiday season when there are so many Christmas stories out there. Jonah must decide if he can open his mind and his heart up to the man who is right in front of him, or whether he will let his past ruin his chance at happiness with Aaron. As Jonah gets to know Aaron, he becomes more and more interested in the man, but Jonah has convinced himself that a relationship with a religious Jew is a bad idea.

And like Jonah, Aaron grew up in a religious Jewish family and had to come to terms with some conflicts between his faith and sexual orientation. Aaron is a pretty religious guy, but he is also warm and friendly and good looking.

But when he meets Aaron Blumberg, Jonah finds he likes the man despite himself. Jonah has distanced himself from his religious Jewish upbringing and is sure he doesn’t want to date a Jewish guy. But Jonah is awkward and not comfortable in the bar scene and not quite sure how to go about it. Jonah Stern is determined that this holiday season he will lose his virginity to a good non-Jewish boy.

Bashert by Gale Stanley