Mistletoe & Menorahs

Mistletoe & Menorahs, produced in 2019, is a heartwarming holiday classic that appeals to the very essence of the Christmas and Hanukkah festive season. This captivating movie brings together Kelley Jakle as Christy, Jake Epstein as Jonathan, and Cory Lee in the main roles, to present a holiday tale brimming with family traditions, cultural diversity, romance, and friendship.

The story, though centred around the holiday season, comes with a twist that melds two contrasting cultural celebrations in a beautifully synchronized tapestry. Christy, the character played by Kelley Jakle, is an ambitious executive tasked with landing a toy company’s account during the festive season. She is needed to significantly impress her clients, who are profoundly zealous about their Jewish traditions – a culture she knows close to nothing about. Meanwhile, Jeremy, the character played by Jake Epstein, is a dedicated Jewish man, who faces a different predicament. He is expected to create the perfect Christmas celebration if he's to win-over his girlfriend's father's approval.

With both Christy and Jeremy worlds apart in their holiday expertise, they stumble upon each other in a serendipitous encounter that ends up helping each one fill in their cultural gaps. Christy imparts her dazzling Christmas wisdom, while Jeremy enlightens Christy on the traditional significance of Chanukkah. Whether it's trimming Christmas trees or lighting the Menorah, the duo educates one another about their respective celebrations, thus forming a unique bond. Throughout the story, they navigate their way together through the intricate fabrics of multicultural understanding and respect.

Cory Lee adds a personal touch to the film, playing the role of one of Christy’s ever-supportive colleagues. Lee’s character is endearing and offers a continuous thread of kind-heartedness and support as Christy expands her knowledge of Jewish traditions.

The narrative is an exploration of the beauty that lies in understanding, accepting, and celebrating cultural differences. Through the journey of the characters, audiences are treated to an intimate comprehension of the importance of accepting and appreciating multiple cultural practices, especially during the most festive period of the year. Mistletoe & Menorahs does an amazing job of showing how the Christmas and Hanukkah holiday traditions can harmoniously co-exist, highlighting the essence of unity and harmony during the holiday season.

The performances of each actor, combined with a well-written script, make this film genuinely enjoyable. Kelley Jakle carries Christy’s character wonderfully, embodying the determination, willingness, and open-mindedness of her role with charming ease. Jake Epstein’s portrayal of Jonathan is equally compelling, with his natural charisma shining through in the character’s humorous but heartfelt quest to understand and emulate the traditions of Christmas.

At its heart, Mistletoe & Menorahs blends the spirit of both holidays against the backdrop of a modern cultural exchange. It presents the holidays not just as a time for merry-making but also as an opportunity to delve deeper into the traditions that bind us.

The movie takes an in-depth look at the rich cultures of both festivities - from the burning Hanukkah candles and the spinning dreidels to the decorating of the Christmas tree and the hanging of the stockings - offering a comprehensive overview of these holiday practices. The authenticity of these rituals adds to the magic of this holiday movie, enabling audiences to learn about such traditions while engaging with a poignant story of understanding, empathy and love.

Mistletoe & Menorahs stands out with its charming take on the holiday theme and challenges the norms of holiday movie narratives by tackling an unusual blend of cultural traditions. It paints a warm and inviting picture of the holiday season, one that will undoubtedly encourage viewers to embrace the beauty of cultural diversity in their holiday celebrations. It's a feel-good movie that wholeheartedly celebrates love, light, kinship, and the joyous mix of Christmas and Hanukkah.

Overall, Mistletoe & Menorahs is a beautifully crafted tale that powerfully captures the very essence of the holiday season, melding together two culturally different holiday traditions with grace, warmth and much-needed festive cheer. This, combined with the outstanding performances of Kelley Jakle, Jake Epstein, and Cory Lee, makes it an uplifting holiday offering that's sure to melt hearts while sparking intrigue and fostering an appreciation of cultural diversity.