Hanukkah on Rye (2022) Movie Script
[festive Jewish music]
Okay Bubbe.
Here we go.
Egg cream attempt number four.
Getting there.
Oh, come on!
I did it the exact way
you wrote it down.
Ruth, why are you
torturing her?
Shes gonna be running the deli
in a year or two.
I need to show you the right way
to make everything
from latkes to egg creams.
Just the way Seymour...
and I did for your dad.
And Rebecca and Izzy
did for you.
Oh... Exactly.
And better Molly learn it now
because you never know
when Ill be drinking that
giant egg cream in the sky.
Oh, Ruth...
Mom, please.
Youre immortal.
We all know this.
[laughs]
Id be exhausted.
Okay. One more time.
Now... stir with less force,
more of a swirl.
Okay. You know Gilberts
are famous for our latkes,
not our egg creams.
What, it cant be both?
Are you sure you dont need help
in the back?
You know, people are gonna be
lining up at the crack of dawn
to get their latkes for
the first night of Hanukkah.
Its gonna be way too hectic
back there, Moll.
Were making more latkes
than ever this year.
I just hope its enough.
What do you mean?
Its nothing.
You know Hanukkah week,
we either break even
or we make a profit,
and this year were a little
further from even
than wed like.
Im not worried.
You can make double
the amount from last year.
Youre a well-oiled machine
back there.
They thought the latkes would
only last for one night.
But they lasted for eight!
Get it, Ruth?
Because they were well-oiled.
[laughs]
[laughs]
Oh...
Hanukkah... eight nights.
Is this on?
[laughs]
[Stan] Nothing?
I got it Stan and I thank you
as always for your input.
Oh.
Mom, look what I just got.
How cool is...
Oh!
And it lights up when you press
the button.
-Its beautiful.
-I know.
Are you sure you cant stay
for the first night of
Hanukkah with us?
I am meeting with the building
owner in New York
first thing on Saturday.
So you guys are just gonna
have to, you know, take a video.
Nice! Very modern.
I love it.
You sure you dont want me
to come with you to New York?
Do you think that you need to?
Its just a lot of red tape
opening a new location,
especially across the country.
You know that nobody knows
this business better than I do,
right?
Except for you.
And you.
And Bubbe.
Okay, so then its me.
[laughs]
We know you will do fine.
Right, Ed?
I suppose.
And once you get it up and
running you can come home.
Or I can stay and manage
it myself.
You can't.
I'll miss you too much.
-Oh...
-I'll miss you too much.
Hes not a baby bird, Lizzie.
He has to leave
the nest sometime!
Why? So he can fly into
a window and die?
[laughs]
Oh, wow.
I love you too, Mom.
Hey. Hey.
Be sure to find suppliers
that can handle our menu.
We never want anyone
to walk out of Zimmers
without getting what they want.
Even the poutine?
Which someone has literally
not ordered
at this place in 20 years.
You never know.
A guy from Montreal
could come in
looking for a taste
of home today.
Bubbe, back me up on this.
About what?
The poutine.
Do we really need to keep that
on the menu?
What have you got
against Canadians?
Nothing.
I just think that maybe
theres a few things
that we could trim when
we open up in New York.
Absolutely not.
Aye.
When my mother came here
in 1914,
she couldnt find the food
that reminded her of home.
They opened Zimmers so everyone
should have a...
[all] taste of home.
No matter where
they came from.
Our menu is the American
melting pot.
With a side of pickles.
[Liz] Oh, oh, oh, oh!
You are not gonna believe this.
You are not gonna believe this.
Someone just ordered
the poutine.
Ha! I told you.
Thats incredible.
Mmhmm.
Or... you just texted Mom
and told her to say that.
My sons... so smart.
Hes so smart, smart.
Hes so smart. Oy!
And you... you have the worst
poker face in the world.
So cute though.
[laughing]
So, did you find a nice place
to stay
while youre
there temporarily?
Yes, I found a short-term rental
that happens to be
on the same street
that the business is on.
So, you know...
I could scope out
the neighborhood.
And while you're in town,
if you happen to meet
a nice Jewish girl...
[all] Ah...
Bubbe!
What? What?
This is important.
Who else will carry on
the Zimmers Deli legacy?
You know, as much as Id love
to take this whole guilt trip
with me to New York,
Im pretty sure its not gonna
fit in the overhead bin.
[all] Oh!
Good one, right?
[exhales]
Ah...
Come on.
[dog barks]
I'm... I'm actually
renting 2A,
um... is there something
that I'm missing with
these mailboxes?
Because I cannot get
this thing open.
I dont know you.
You could be breaking
into the box.
Well then why would I be asking
for help?
It could be part of your scam.
[dog barks]
Im actually
a really nice guy.
Well see.
-[dog barks]
-Oh!
Let me guess, she thought
you were here to rob us?
Apparently.
Is this... is this not a safe
neighborhood or something?
No, of course not.
Mrs. Rosenbaum thinks
everybodys here to rob us.
Too many true crime
documentaries.
For a few months she was sure
I was a spy.
Ooh, a spy.
For...for who?
Well if I told you I wouldnt
be a really good one, would I?
[laughs]
Also watch out for Pebbles,
you could lose a finger.
Oh yeah.
You know, honestly,
I really am renting 2A.
I can give you
the paperwork.
Its okay.
The Chabans told me
you were coming.
Well, not you, like, a person,
a renter.
Well... that's me.
Can I see the mail key?
Yeah. Can you just...
-Uh, yeah. So, you put it in.
-Okay.
Lift it up a little.
Tiny hitch to the left.
Then down.
Then turn.
Well, thank you.
Thank you.
Im guessing that youve been
living here a while.
My great grandparents moved
into this building
straight from Ellis Island.
When it still looked like that.
-Oh, look at that.
-Yeah.
And 20 years later they bought
all three apartments on six.
My grandmother
was raised here.
And my dad... and me.
Okay. Well, I'm guessing that
counts as, uh... as a while.
Yeah. Im Molly,
by the way.
Jacob. Jake.
Hi. Here, Ill give you
my number.
Oh!
What?
Im flattered.
Im not hitting on you!
Im just being a good neighbor.
Oh.
Besides, youre not my type.
Oh, and what's your type?
Uh, men who can open
a mailbox without help.
[chokes]
Oh, wow... direct hit.
[chuckles]
Where are you from?
California... uh,
Los Angeles.
That explains it.
Explains what?
That was not a direct hit.
That was a little "zots"
at best.
You gotta grow a thicker skin
if youre planning on staying
in New York for a while.
Bye!
Hey Thomas.
[laughing]
[elevator ding]
[Jewish music]
Theres gotta be 10 years
of wax built up in this thing.
Oh, put it in the freezer
for about an hour,
the wax will pop right out.
Nah, its more fun to dig it out
with a walnut pick.
So satisfying.
Oh yeah.
Well do it later, right honey?
Yeah.
You really are two peas
in a pod.
More like two matzo balls
in a bowl.
-Eww.
-Ugh.
What? I run a deli!
Ooh. Mind if I grab a couple
of these for the road?
That reminds me.
Why you leaving so early?
Do you have a date?
Funny.
Im not laughing.
No. I just wanna get
a good nights sleep
before the big
latke rush tomorrow.
Here, bring these
leftovers home
in case youre hungry later.
Mom, Im fine.
Fine, shmine. Take it.
-Thank you.
-Yeah.
What?
Bye!
Anyway... the, uh,
the location is great.
It's... I mean, I think I
lucked out with this place.
Oh! Oh... come in.
Miss you!
We miss you already.
Ive been gone a day.
I know but it feels like
a month.
Bubbe wants to talk to you.
Here.
I can do it.
Bye bubbala.
I wanted to talk, just us.
We need to talk.
Bubbe?
A little concerned.
Hey, I have the expansion
all under control.
You wanted to open up here
and we will.
But hey, listen, you never
told me about
why it's so important to you.
Dont worry about that.
Whats more important
is what comes after that.
Youre the last of
our family line.
Here we go.
Here we go.
What? Im not trying to pressure
you into marriage, Molly.
That is literally
what youre doing.
Okay. So whats a little
pressure anyway?
Come on, Ive tried. But I...
I have this tendency
of staying with guys for
way longer than I should.
It's exhausting.
I'm... I'm just tired.
I know, I know.
But... what if I told you
it didn't have to be so hard?
Id ask if you were drinking
a little too much Manischewitz.
[laughs]
Im here to expand
our business, okay?
That is all Im here
to focus on.
What good is the business if
theres no one to give it to?
Plus... it doesn't hurt that
you're in the promised land
for nice, Jewish girls.
You know that I... I don't have
trouble meeting women.
No. You have trouble meeting
the right women.
Oy.
[sighs]
Whats this?
For you.
[Esther] I left a little early
Hanukkah present in your bag.
Its the cream envelope.
What? I cannot believe...
You sneaky, sneaky Bubbe.
[Molly] Find your bashert-
-[Jake & Molly] Guaranteed?
Beshert? Wait,
thats Yiddish for soulmate.
Exactly.
I've signed you up with a very
famous matchmaker in Brooklyn...
Rose Mizansky.
Who?
Why?
Because you need her.
And she has a 100 percent
success record.
100 percent?
Thats impossible.
She doesnt do anything
with the internet.
No apps, no instabook.
Not even gonna try
to correct you there.
She does everything
the old-fashioned way.
Its wonderful.
Okay. Bubbe look, I appreciate
the thought, I really do.
But I... I just don't think
this is right for me.
Bubbe, thank you so much,
truly.
But I... this...
This... this really
isn't my thing.
I already paid her fee.
Its done.
[both] Happy Hanukkah!
[sighs] Oh my...
Okay, look, how about this?
How about we just put it off
until next year, okay?
After the expansion is open.
Can we just wait until I get
a couple of years
of running Gilberts
under my belt?
Too late.
Shes already found a match!
[both] What?!
[humming]
Thanks, guys.
Only three more loads to go.
Hows it going back there?
The latke making process
has commenced!
Ooh! How lovely.
A messenger dropped it off
before I came in this morning.
They clearly dont waste
any time.
Alright.
Uh... no sharing real names.
No sharing location.
No sharing any other
identifying information.
What is he supposed to call me,
bachelorette number one?
You use an alias.
The matchmaker suggested
David and Beth.
Whats wrong with Beth?
Beth was the name
of the girl
who stole my boyfriend
in eighth grade.
I hate Beth.
[laughs]
Its only temporary,
just while youre getting
to know each other.
How are we supposed
to do that?
Uh, with no texting,
no photos, no email,
no internet searches and
no talking on the phone.
Whats left?
Writing letters?
Actually yes.
Thats what the stationery
is for.
No way.
This is her process
and she makes it work.
Does she also want me
to use a quill
and write on papyrus
by candlelight?
Shes provided a very nice
pen and paper.
I think its very classy.
What if I make a mistake?
What, am I supposed
to use White Out?
Think of it like the people
who handwrite the Torah.
If they make a mistake they
have to start all over again.
It makes you take your time
and really think carefully
about what youre writing.
Thats the whole point.
Its Hanukkah, Bubbe.
I dont have time
for deep thoughts,
just latkes, dreidels
and menorahs.
Well, lucky for you
the man writes first.
And maybe he wont even write
until after Hanukkah.
Of course that would make him
a procrastinator
which isnt a quality you want
in a life partner.
What if he gets "there",
"theyre" and "their" wrong?
Then we cancel
the whole thing,
never speak of this again.
[laughs]
No, what I'm saying is that
I have terrible handwriting.
Okay? It looks like a...
like a first grader's.
Ooh, look at that.
Im not even joking.
You know what I can do?
I can use that handwriting font
on my computer
and then just print it out
on this lovely paper.
Huh?
Just take your time, bubbala.
Its not what the letter
looks like thats important,
its what it says.
I dont even know where
to start.
I have faith in you.
Bye-bye bubbala!
Okay.
Right. Dear Beth.
Shalom...
Shalom? What?
Thats not ever gonna work.
Dear Beth.
Greetings and salutations.
I am such a nice, formal
gentleman who says, "greetings".
Happy first night.
[laughing]
Sup?
I need to take a break.
Hi everyone.
Thank you for your patience.
Here you go.
Oh! Dont forget the applesauce
is here, Frank.
Oh, I wont.
Cant get enough
of these latkes.
Hey!
Oh, hey neighbor.
Yeah. What's...what's going on
with the line?
Gilberts latkes.
Best in the world.
-Really?
-Mmhmm.
That's... according to who?
Uh... everyone.
Hanukkahs not Hanukkah
without Gilberts latkes.
Well, if you're Jewish, I mean.
Not that you can't enjoy them,
you know, if you aren't Jewish.
It's...
Well, you know, lucky for me
I am a member of the tribe.
Ah!
So... you?
Uh...
I can still recite the Torah
portion from my Bat Mitzvah
if you need proof.
[small laugh]
Uh... so this is Gilbert's, huh?
Uh-huh. Mmhmm.
A little dated.
You know, I always feel like
if a place looks rundown,
the food kinda is too.
Well the place has been here
for almost 100 years,
so it must be doing
something right.
Molly!
Your grandmother kicked me out
for poking my head
into the kitchen.
Well, you know the rules, Stan.
Kitchens off-limits while
theyre making the latkes.
Bubbe wants to make sure
no one outside the family
sees our secret recipe.
Then Ill marry her,
problem solved.
Okay.
[laughs]
See you tomorrow, Stan.
This is your Bubbe?
Mmhmm.
Ruth Gilbert Speigelman.
Daughter of Izzy and Rebecca-
Gilbert. I am so sorry
for what I said.
Dont worry about it.
I... uh... I gotta go.
I got a meeting to get to.
Oh yeah, I gotta go serve
some more of that rundown food.
I really am sorry.
Happy Hanukkah.
Yeah, you too.
[groans]
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
Do you want a hand with that?
Okay. Ill grab another
tray later.
Thanks Mom.
You did not tell me there
was gonna be a menorah lighting.
Oh...
There's a menorah lighting.
Thank you.
[laughing]
Well, stick around if you want.
Were handing out cookies
and singing Hanukkah songs.
Oh, both of them.
All two.
[laughs]
Somebody really should write
another song.
Oh, I tried.
Nothing rhymes with latke.
Got...ke... Gotke.
That sounds familiar.
-Mmhmm.
-Yeah.
Yeah, thats, um, Yiddish
for long underwear.
And thats why theres only
two songs.
Probably.
[notification alert]
-Oh, sorry.
-Oh...
Its okay.
Okay. Okay...
[phone ringing]
Hi. Hi.
Yeah.
Yes, I know. I will.
I love you too.
Okay. Bye.
I gotta go.
I, um...
I got a... deadline.
-Oh.
-Yeah.
You seem like
a very busy person.
-Eh...
-What do you do?
Im in sales.
Hmm.
Sorry to miss the singalong.
Lucky for you, youve got
seven more chances.
Ah...
[both] Happy Hanukkah...
Happy Hanukkah.
-[Molly laughs]
-Okay.
I had a little dreidel...
I made it out of clay.
And when its
dry and ready,
oh dreidel I shall play.
Oh dreidel, dreidel,
dreidel...
I made it out of clay.
Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel...
oh dreidel I shall play.
Hey!
I dont know where to start
so here are three fun facts
about me.
I love black licorice.
Controversial, right off
the bat.
Two... I hate ranch dressing
that comes from a bottle
and I judge harshly
any restaurant who uses it
instead of making their own.
And, apparently, I make
a breathy ahh sound
after drinking any
hot beverage.
Im pretty sure thats why
my last relationship ended.
Or it ended because I wasn't
ready for forever and, uh...
to be honest,
I'm still not ready.
I'm giving this matchmaker thing
a chance for my bubbe's sake
but it wouldn't be fair
to lead you on, so...
If you're not tearing
this letter in half
and cursing my name,
I... I hope we can be friends.
David.
Yeah, I got it.
Oh, uh... can you text
the delivery address again?
It didn't come through.
[notification alert]
Im already at 114 Allen Street.
Okay.
[mischievous music]
This should be interesting.
Huh.
[chuckles]
Thanks for your honesty.
And Im not upset, Im relieved.
I'm only doing this
for my bubbe too.
So yes, I'm happy
to be your pen pal.
Poor matchmaker though,
she has no idea were about
to ruin her perfect record.
Its kind of refreshing
to be this honest.
Ive stayed in relationships
for way too long
because it was easier
to avoid conflict
than to say what I was
really feeling.
So, in the spirit of honesty,
the black licorice thing
was a deal breaker.
This never would've worked.
Thats supposed to be
a wink emoji.
How did people do this
before keyboards?
Now, picture a laughing emoji
and a shrug and Im done.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Beth.
[elevator dings]
Hi Thomas.
Uh, a messenger
will come pick this up.
-Have a great day.
-You too.
Thank you.
Picking up from Mizansky's
Matchmaking.
Uh, right here.
You know... all this
sneaking around,
it's really stressing me out.
All youre doing is changing
the out envelopes, right?
I could take care of that
for you.
If you do, I'll share
the delivery fee with you.
Works for me.
I have an envelope for you.
Oh... thanks.
Huh.
[chuckles]
[laughs]
Made with love.
And butter.
[laughs]
Well?
Well what?
Did you get your first letter?
Oh... that.
Come on, Moll.
Were all dying to know.
Not me, I dont care.
Reverse psychology
is not gonna work, Dad.
Just spill it, kid.
For your bubbes sake.
Well, if you must know...
Yes, I got a letter.
And?
And...
he's going to make
a very nice pen pal.
-Oh.
-Huh.
Thats it? Thats all youre
gonna tell us?
When are you gonna
write him back?
Oh... I already did.
Oh?
Uh-huh.
Okay, don't get all excited
everyone, okay? I...
[sighs]
We're both on the same page,
we're just... we're not ready.
That's the end of that.
What are you gonna do?
Anyway...
I've had an idea of what
we can do tonight
after the menorah lighting.
I was having a conversation
with a friend last night
about the Hanukkah songs.
And what if we invited
everyone back here
for a new Hanukkah song contest?
Huh?
Winner gets free latkes
for the rest of Hanukkah.
Free latkes?
Oh, it could be fun.
And it would drum up business.
Well, we dont need a gimmick
to get people through the door.
-Our food speaks for itself.
-Mmhmm.
Yeah, but what if people
look in here
and see that everything's
a little... you know...
worse for wear and don't
even come in?
This is a way around that.
Oh, come on Dad.
Its Hanukkah.
We have to do something
tonight, right?
Ehh...
Alright. Do me a favor,
keep it simple.
You got it, simple.
I dont want us turning into
something that were not.
Not something were not.
What did you say
was here before?
A Jewish deli.
Same as you.
You know, they just dont do
as well as they used to.
The one down the street,
Gilbert's...
well, ten bucks says
they close down
within the next couple
of years.
Uh... well, we're a very
different concept.
It's more modern.
It's a bigger menu.
Hm, yeah. I'm not, uh, trying
to talk you out of it.
I'm just saying...
your latkes...
they better be good
because nobody beats Gilbert's.
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
[laughs]
Happy night two.
Same to you.
Oh! I owe you one,
by the way.
Our conversation about Hanukkah
songs inspired me to do this.
Yeah, happy to help.
Did you write a song?
Uh, you can go first, you know,
if you really want to.
As a matter of fact,
I did indeed write a new
Hanukkah song.
Oh.
When I was 12.
And it was to the tune
of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer".
So, I think that... that
probably disqualifies me.
Just a smidge.
Yeah.
Oh, come.
There's a seat over there.
Okay.
See, I told you this would be
a good thing for us.
Its wonderful.
-Oh, Mom, Dad, this is Jake.
-Hi.
Hes renting 2A for
a couple months.
Its nice to meet you.
Pleasure. Order up.
Ooh... that is some
fine-looking corned beef.
How long do brine that for,
like two, three weeks?
Try five.
Really? That long?
Next we boil it, steam it,
then we hand carve it.
Thats why ours is the best.
The best?
I said, the best.
I meant the best.
Try it.
Ehh?
Mmm...
Now the pastrami,
it's like butter.
The rub is an
old family recipe.
Ehh?
Wow.
Dont forget the fries.
Oh!
[Molly] Oh, and you have to try
it with the ranch.
Uh... this is made in house?
Of course.
Who do you think we are,
heathens?
Ehh?
Ehh?
Mmm.
[laughing]
Well feel free to leave
a good review online.
We dont get too many
because most of our clientele
are still printing out PDFs and
sending them to their grandkids
through the mail.
[laughs]
[clears throat]
[microphone feedback]
Hanukkah! Hanukkah!
Hanukkah!
[weak applause]
Ah, its catchy but you cant
dance to it.
[laughs]
Hanukkah's here
and we can't agree...
if it starts with an "H"
or if it starts with a "C"
But the only thing
that really matters to me
is jelly donuts...
Thats it.
-Oh.
-Oh.
Oh, sorry.
[applause]
Ive been working on this one
for a little while.
To me, the story of Hanukkah
represents... hope.
And the belief that even
in the darkness,
there's always a way
to find the light.
[strumming guitar]
One, two, three,
four, five...
six, seven, eight...
nights celebrate our light.
Light, light, light,
light, light...
Candles burning bright...
Golden and blue...
shining through
the darkness night.
Night, night, night,
night, night...
Let the light shine...
let the light shine...
in the window...
in the window...
When you think it's almost
gone there is still hope...
There is still hope...
There is still hope...
[cheers and applause]
Thank you very much.
I think we have a winner.
Natalie, that was so beautiful.
Here are your
well-earned latkes.
Just hope you have
enough room.
Thanks. Im gonna share these
with the kids.
-Happy Hanukkah!
-Happy Hanukkah.
Here you go.
Hmm... mmhmm...
Oh wow.
Wow. You must be hungry.
This is so much good food.
This is the best rye bread
Ive ever had.
Thats what everyone says
first time
they have authentic
Jewish deli.
[laughs]
Um... that's the thing...
see, this is not...
-Jake?
-Ezra!
-No way!
[laughs]
What are you doing
in New York, man?
What are you, you scoping out
the competition?
Uh...
What does he mean
the competition?
Hey, are you trying to tell me
that this entire time you-
Oh, come here.
So, this is why youve been
snooping around,
ordering all that food?
What, are you trying to steal
our recipes,
take them back to LA?
Oh, I should've known
all that charm of yours
was just a bunch of...
Oh, you think Im charming?
Dont change the subject!
I'm sorry, Molly.
Yes, I should've told
you sooner,
but no, I'm not trying
to steal anything.
I swear.
So youre not the competition
like your friend said?
Not... yet.
What is that supposed to mean?
My family wants to open a
Zimmers on the lower east side.
Well, just so you know,
your concept isn't going
to work here.
Why not?
Well, Gilberts is one of
the oldest Jewish delis left
on the lower east side.
You know, people come to us for
the history, for the tradition.
Ive seen your menu, Jake.
Real Jewish delis dont serve
fajitas and Fettuccine Alfredo.
Hey, you know,
there's nothing wrong
with giving everyone
a little taste of home.
And thats why our menu
keeps changing.
Okay? Were trying to keep up
with the times,
not cling to the past.
Again, that is what people love
about us.
Well, apparently
not enough people.
Oh.
Uh, I'm just saying
that to survive
you have to be willing
to change.
"When you're finished changing,
you're finished."
Ben Franklin.
"Without our traditions,
"our life would be as shaky
as a fiddler on the roof."
Tevye.
Who?
Fiddler on the roof.
The main character?
Oh, I never saw that.
Are you sure youre
even Jewish?
What do you wanna see,
a DNA test?
No. Thank you.
As a matter of fact,
Im not sure I wanna see you
around either.
Okay... okay.
I get it, but listen,
for the record...
I think that there's room enough
for both of us on this street.
Whoa... wait, hold on.
You're... you're planning
on opening on this street?
Unbelievable!
Uh...
[elevator dings]
You know why I believe in God?
Because every time
Im a little down,
I get some kind of sign
that makes me think
that someone up there
is watching out for me.
Like today, I found
a heads up penny.
I mean, that has to mean
something good is coming.
Right?
Or, I suppose it could also
mean someone dropped a penny.
[laughs]
-Here you go, Stan.
-Thank you, Eve.
Oh, that looks delicious.
Theres no way their latkes
are as good as ours.
Whos latkes?
Oh. Uh... the frozen ones
from the store.
Oh, you mean hashbrowns.
No self-respecting Jewish family
is gonna make latkes
from frozen.
[laughs]
Ive had them in a pinch,
theyre not half bad.
You hear that Stan?
Thats the sound of your parents
rolling in their graves.
[laughs]
Oh.
You know what
I was thinking?
We should try and get more
young people in the deli.
Kids, families...
like we had last night.
What did you have in mind?
I, um... I think I need to take
a look at the financials
from the past tenants again.
Uh, could I... could I have
a couple more days?
[sighs]
Yeah. Sure.
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
Hey, jelly donut making class
at the deli in an hour.
Tell your parents.
-Hey, bring the kids!
-Mom, would you mind?
Hi. Oh, good to see you.
[Molly] See you there, yeah?
[Molly] See you there.
We have all the supplies.
Maybe we shouldnt do this.
It just seems like
were trying too hard.
Maybe we havent been trying
hard enough.
What was that?
Nothing.
Dad, Ive already handed out
all the flyers
and bought all the supplies.
Come on, we cant
back out now.
Joey, bring Chase and Janice.
[Molly] See you there.
Okay, well here...
[Gabe] At Hanukkah, we eat
a lot of fried foods.
After all, the holiday is all
about the miracle of the oil.
And that's why we have
our famous latkes.
But we also make donuts,
Sufganiyot.
I am so thankful
that we can still bring
these traditions to you all.
And that my daughter talked me
into teaching you all tonight.
This is totally my jam!
[laughing]
See, arent you glad
we did this?
Ah, I guess it doesnt hurt
to remind people
why we do what we do, huh?
Good. Because I have
so many ideas
for the rest of Hanukkah.
Let the donut making commence!
[cheering]
Hey! This is why youre here,
right?
To see how we do it?
See for yourself.
Cant do it better.
Molly, the messenger left this
for you.
Oh. Thank you.
[David] I have to tell you...
your letters have become
a bright spot in my day.
Especially when things are
so chaotic in my real life.
Maybe thats why this letter
writing thing works for people.
You get to know them
on a deeper level.
Okay. Prepare yourself,
this is going to sound cheesy,
but maybe thats
what soulmates means.
You fall for someones soul
first and the rest comes later.
[Beth] What you said isnt
cheesy at all.
I like talking to someone
who doesnt hold back
who they are or how they feel.
Today I found out that someone
I thought was going to be
a good friend is
actually someone
who could put me
out of business.
And the worst part is,
all the things he said
about my business, I think
he may be right.
But the harder I push, the more
upset my family gets.
Its a family business.
Did I tell you that?
Anyway, like
Ben Franklin said,
"When you're finished changing,
you're finished."
And maybe Im even changing
my mind
about this whole matchmaker
thing too.
Youre not going
to believe this
but I just found this
right in front of me.
So, maybe its a sign.
And since its Hanukkah
Im sending it to you.
So now you have two
good luck pennies.
Dont blow it.
Use them well.
[elevator dings]
Oh, hi. Sorry.
Hi Thomas.
A messenger from Mizanskys
will be here soon
to pick this up.
-[Thomas] Mizanskys.
-[Molly] Mmhmm.
-Got it.
-Bye.
Bye.
Morning Thomas.
Any, uh, deliveries for me?
There you go.
Beth is Molly Speigelman.
Im not at liberty to say.
This has to be her.
I need you... I need you
to tell me right now.
I need you, um, to tell me
that this is not a coincidence.
Youre one lucky guy.
[car horn beeps]
Oh, minivans here!
Lets start loading these up.
Hey. We need to talk.
[Molly] Im just leaving.
Catering at a Hanukkah party
at the JCC tonight.
Great. I will help you
and we can talk on the way.
Uh, no thank you!
No. We dont need
your help.
-Jacob, how are you?
-Fine, thanks.
I was asking if Molly
wanted any help
with the Hanukkah party.
Un-huh.
Of course.
The more the merrier.
Youre so kind to offer.
We have to have you over
for shabbat dinner this week.
No!
-Molly!
-[Gabe] Come here. Come here.
What has gotten into you?
Nothing. I'm just...
following the matchmaker's
rules.
You know, not dating
anyone else
while I'm going through
the process.
Who said anything
about dating him?
Hes just being neighborly.
Let him help.
[Gabe] Try it.
Ehh?
Mmm.
[Gabe chuckles]
-No, no, theres more.
-Okay.
If you just close your eyes
-You got it?
-Yup. Mmhmm.
You can taste the delight
On my eight favorite nights
Happy Hanukkah.
Like a warm winter dream
Where the snow castles gleam
Only on my eight
favorite nights
The children are playing
The latkes are baking
The candles come to life
[cheering]
Everything is wonderful
On my eight favorite nights
Ooh... this is quite a spread.
Feel free to dig in.
Okay.
What... what
are you doing?
Oh... it's my special
toppings trick.
Your special toppings trick?
Yeah.
Okay.
Smash the capers
into the cream cheese.
You...
Tomato, then...
Then onion... then lox.
Ah... that is insane.
No, it's genius.
This way it all stays put.
Who wants to see their capers
rolling all over the floor?
This is a shonda.
You go big to small.
Okay, cream cheese...
Mmhmm.
Lox, tomato, onions...
and then capers.
-Uh-huh.
-Everybody knows this.
-Oh.
-Okay?
Uh... Caper in point.
Okay fine, so you take
the capers
and you put them in the little
holes between the tomatoes.
No, because then it
still falls off
when you go to take a bite.
My ways better.
And don't forget a squeeze
of lemon juice on top.
Oh, is this a joke?
Is this a joke?
Am I on a Jewish
candid camera show?
Like, what... what is that?
Am I being pranked?
-No.
-With the... with the...
Okay. Just try it, alright?
Try my way. One bite.
Hm?
Okay, its good.
Its great.
Its great.
You keep it.
Do I have some on my...?
[chuckles]
This building was one of
the first tenements
on the lower east side.
Its beautiful.
Not at the turn of
the century it wasnt.
Until the 1930s either
of these were overcrowded,
unsanitary, dangerous
apartments.
With barely any room to move
or breathe.
It was miserable.
Why stay?
Because it was still better
than what they endured
in their home countries.
They knew in time theyd make
their American dream come true.
You know, in the early 1900s
the Jewish immigrants
would gather at the deli,
like Gilbert's...
where they would sing
and laugh and eat.
With people that understood
their language.
And their humor.
And... their past.
Gilberts was like an oasis
for them.
A place where they could feel
at home.
We weren't supposed to last...
but we did.
Like the oil in
the Hanukkah story.
Huh?
[laughs] Yes.
Except instead of eight nights
its 100 years.
Look, all I'm saying is...
opening a Jewish deli here,
you have to understand
what that really means.
Im starting to.
And with your menu,
the more modern style...
why don't you go
somewhere trendier?
My family insists
on opening here.
Its what my grandmother wants.
Does she have a history here?
I think they went straight
through to California,
but actually Im not sure.
They wanted a new life in a new
country with new traditions
cause they were not afraid
of change.
Which, by the way,
is the lesson
of Fiddler on the Roof,
which I watched after you
shamed me into it.
[laughs]
I dont know, maybe the reason
that all those other delis
didnt make it is because they
refused to keep with the times.
I mean, can you imagine...
[laughs]
Can you imagine if people
still used a matchmaker?
Oh... I dont know.
Doesnt sound like such
a bad idea.
I bet it's nice to get
to know someone on...
on a deeper level.
Because sometimes you can meet
someone and then find out
they are not who they said
they were.
I did not mean to upset you.
Okay?
And now that I'm starting
to understand
what Gilbert's really
represents here,
I... I truly don't wanna do
anything to hurt your business.
So, youll open somewhere else?
I dont think I can do that.
Wait... here?
There is where you're planning
on opening your deli?
You're... you're practically
on top of us.
I... we have not signed
the deal yet,
but, uh... yeah, yeah, it looks
like this... this is it.
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
Tonights turnout is even worse
than last night.
We shouldve planned something.
Well, people are busy, Molly.
They cant always come.
Exactly!
They need a reason to come...
and we need to give them one.
Before its too late.
Molly...
Molly...
Is there something
youre not telling us?
Zimmers!
Zimmers Deli from Los Angeles?
How do you know this?
It doesnt matter how I know,
theyre coming.
But why come here?
Why now?
You know, I went there
in the '80s.
With Seymour, rest his soul.
[all] Rest his soul.
Their menu was like
a casino buffet.
Its too much.
Theyre nothing like us.
Weve got nothing
to worry about.
Theyve got deep pockets,
Ruth.
Im sure the rent increases
wont even phase them.
Wait, what rent increases?
You told me we were fine.
We didnt wanna ruin
your Hanukkah.
Everybody on the blocks
gonna have to pay more soon.
Okay. Look...
I know I'm not in charge yet
and I know you don't wanna
hear this...
but it's time for you
to trust me.
Okay.
Okay.
Bubbe?
Alright already.
Okay. Now I have an idea
for tomorrow.
Another way to connect
with the community
before Zimmers even opens
their doors.
Ill tell you all about it
after I make a couple calls.
[David] I know were not
supposed to talk about work
but today was rough.
I have to make some pretty
hard decisions
and no matter what I do
someones gonna get hurt.
Especially a friend I care
very much about.
I just hope we can find a way
to help each other instead
of work against each other.
I dont think I can bear it
if Im the cause of their pain.
[Beth] I think if you care
about someone enough,
which you obviously do,
theres always a solution.
Maybe you should just put
everything on the table
and trust that itll work out
the way its meant to.
With that being said, I had
the chance to do that
with my family last night
and left out something
pretty important.
Dont make the same mistake
as me, okay?
Maybe Ill take a little of
my own advice
and tell you whatever happens
in your real life,
youll always have a friend
who cares about you.
And shes just a letter away.
Did Molly leave the building?
A few hours ago.
Im just gonna read this
right here.
[exhales]
[clears throat]
Hey Molly.
Hi Thomas.
Good morning.
Morning.
Thomas, any letters
for me today?
Ah, nothing yet.
What you, uh, what
you got going today?
Wouldnt you like to know.
Well, actually I would.
Youll probably just steal
the idea for next year.
Im not a bad person.
I gotta get back to the deli.
Lots to do before tonight.
You realize that Im eventually
gonna see
what is going on, right?
Like, just...
let me help you.
[sighs]
Okay. Fine.
Christmas is coming.
-Right?
-Mmhmm.
And what do a lot of American
Jews do on Christmas?
Chinese food and a movie,
we do it every year.
So do we.
Well, I thought that Gilberts
didnt serve other kinds
of food.
Isnt that what you thought
was so wrong about Zimmers?
Oh, no, no.
We're serving all the Hanukkah
classics, of course.
But we also have friends
in Chinatown cooking for us.
-Oh...
-Mmhmm.
Well, my main problem honestly
is social media.
We havent done anything
all these years
and now suddenly I have
the green light.
But even if I started posting
about it today,
how would it reach anyone?
You remember my friend, Ezra?
Uh, college friend, big mouth?
Oh yeah. Yeah, yeah.
He is actually a social
media manager
and, I dont know, I bet
he would love to help.
I still dont understand
why youre helping me.
Because its the right thing
to do.
And despite what you may think,
I actually do care about
your restaurant and your family.
And... you.
I care about you too.
I know.
-You do?
-Molly...
But Jake, I have
to tell you something.
Yeah, I do too.
No, please, let me just get
this off my chest, okay?
Theres someone else.
Um... it's a long story.
Well, we've actually
never really met.
Well, we were put together by
a matchmaker and, and... uh...
well, we've been writing letters
and I know it's weird, but...
That's not weird. Um...
Well, he's funny
and he's kind and...
Well, he says what he feels
and...
and he's inspired me to do
the same thing.
Okay. Well, um...
I am thoughtful and kind.
And my mom thinks
I'm hilarious.
Youre also a threat
to my familys future.
Is that really the only thing
standing between us?
No. Um...
I have feelings for him too.
And well, I promised
my grandmother
I would see this through.
Well... in that case,
you should go meet him.
And find out if...
if it's meant to be.
Just put everything
on the table.
Uh... Okay.
Yeah. I'll, um...
I guess I'll... I'll write
to him and...
see if he can meet me tomorrow.
I mean, I guarantee he will
think he hit the Jewish jackpot.
In the meantime, are you gonna
let me help you tonight or what?
-Really?
-Yeah!
Uh, yeah. Okay, that would be
great. Thank you.
-Bye Thomas.
-Bye.
[laughing]
[exhales]
[laughing]
You were right, Molly.
This is one fantastic evening.
People we havent seen in years
brought their entire families
when they saw those posts.
I guess they just needed
a reminder
that we were still here.
I suppose social media
isnt so bad after all.
Anyways Evie, lets grab a seat
and watch the movie.
Thank you for all your help
today, Jacob.
Yeah.
Such a nice boy.
Oh.
I take it you didnt tell
your family about me.
It... it just would've been
too much.
Besides, how would
I explain to them
that all of this is
because I took your advice?
You were right,
change is good.
Im not so sure
about that anymore.
I wonder if Zimmers
changed so much
that we forgot about
where we came from.
You and your family...
You helped me realize that.
I don't know if we're ready
to open here.
Not yet, at least.
But this is a business
decision, right?
This isn't because you think
you and I...
Why cant it be both?
I still have to meet David.
David is his name, right.
Personally I prefer Jacob, but..
-Just let me get it.
-Okay.
I hear it was quite the party
out there.
Actually, it was.
And we brought a little
something back for you.
Ah, you didn't have to do this.
You were both already so
generous with the holiday tips.
Youre welcome.
Okay, I'm... gonna go write
David right now.
Hopefully hes free.
Im sure hell do whatever
it takes to be there.
-Good night.
-[chuckles]
[elevator dings]
Okay, you tell me the second
she brings down that letter.
Youre really gonna show up
as David?
I am.
Its not fair to keep her
in the dark.
I cant wait another day
to tell her how I feel.
Thats very sweet.
She's gonna hate you for
not telling her sooner, but...
Very, very sweet.
Look at this!
Everyones posting about
how kitschy and authentic
Gilberts is.
Its working.
I have to go get ready.
For what?
Im meeting David today.
Oh?
I wrote him last night,
got his response this morning.
Uh-huh.
Were having lunch
in the village.
Did you ask the matchmaker
if it was okay to meet so soon?
No, we didn't ask her but
it's... it's just... it's time.
What? What's wrong?
We... we were talking about
this last night.
Talking about the matchmaker
and whether or not this time
she is wrong.
What do you mean?
We see how you are with Jacob.
I know.
Hes a great guy.
Dad...
You two seem so
perfect together.
Guys!
There's something you need
to know.
Um... Jacob's family...
owns Zimmer's Deli.
That cant be!
I cant believe I told him
my secret brining technique.
Molly, why didnt
you tell us sooner?
Ive been trying to talk him
out of opening so close to us
and the good news is I think
maybe hes listening.
Yeah, sure.
Listening how to make
our latkes.
He probably stole that too.
I dont think he wants to put us
out of business, Dad.
Hes a good man.
But so is David.
And at least with him there
arent any complications.
Maybe hes who Im meant to be
with after all.
Ah-ha!
So the matchmaker was right.
I dont know.
[all sighing]
[elevator dings]
Hey. Wow.
You look... you look beautiful.
Thanks.
Taking a risk with
the high heels though.
What if the guys, like,
five feet tall?
I dont care about that.
Its what inside that counts.
Really?
What if he shows up looking
like a bridge troll?
[laughs]
Well, I guess Ill find out
soon enough.
What if he, um...
looks just like me?
That wouldnt be the worst thing
in the world.
Okay. I should get going.
Your fate awaits.
Bye.
Im just gonna give her
a couple minutes head start
and then Ill go.
I know what youre thinking.
And Im gonna find a way
to make it work with her.
Okay? I told her were gonna
open the deli somewhere else,
and we will, but right now
I need to tell her the truth.
I literally didnt
say anything.
There he is!
Oh... Mom.
What are you...
what are you doing here?
We were coming to surprise you
after you signed the deal.
But then I spoke to the owner.
She said you werent even
negotiating anymore.
She wasnt even sure
you wanted the space.
We wanted to see for ourselves
whats going on.
I just... I just wanted to make
sure it was the right space.
It is.
Which is why were all gonna
make this deal happen today.
No! No, we cant do that,
Dad.
Jacob, what is going on
with you?
There is more to this
than you understand, okay?
No, its not okay.
This is what your
grandmother wants.
I know, I know.
And so Im gonna talk to her
and then once she,
uh, knows whats going on
shes gonna understand.
You dont have to call her,
Jacob.
Shes here in New York
resting at the hotel.
What? Okay, okay, okay.
Dad, please do not sign anything
until after I talk to her.
I will go see her directly
after this lunch meeting.
Meeting?
What kind of a meeting is
more important than this?
Mom... trust me it is.
I am meeting the building owner
in an hour, Jacob.
Whatever you have to say
to your bubbe
it has to be right now.
May I help you?
Uh, yes. Hi, um...
reservation for two.
I believe it's under David.
Ah... David called.
He says he's running a bit late.
I can show you to your table
while you wait.
Oh... thank you.
Thanks.
Can you believe this lobby?
I mean, wheres the Hanukkah?
And Im not just talking
about some courtesy menorah
behind the desk.
Yeah.
You know theres a place
a few blocks away
that does a menorah lighting
every night of Hanukkah.
Ill take you there
tomorrow night.
Oh, good.
[laughs]
Um... Actually...
that place is what I came here
to talk to you about.
You know...
This hotel used to be
tenement apartments?
My mother and her family
lived right down the street
for three months when
they came to America.
I thought you said Sarah
went straight
from Poland to California.
Something about sailing on a
freighter around South America.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
That was your mothers family.
My mother was
on the SS Rotterdam
when she was just
a little girl.
Why have we never talked
about this part before?
Because my mother
always used to say,
whats the point in gnashing
your teeth about the past?
So I stopped asking.
It wasnt until after she passed
that I found
her letters and journals and
learned what shed gone through.
I... I wish you would've
told me some of this
before I came out here.
It would've changed
a lot of things.
We didnt want to put
you through
so much pressure, sweetheart.
Hmm.
This is where my parents met
and fell in love.
They worked long hours in the
back room of a diner together.
They decided that someday
they would open a Jewish deli
right here on
the lower east side.
They married and moved west.
Nine years later, with my
mothers recipes from home
and my fathers business skills,
they opened Zimmers Deli.
Yeah, and its a huge success.
We have nothing left to prove.
Yeah, thats what
I used to think.
But in her journal my mother
said her dream
was to open a Zimmers back
where it all started.
I didnt realize
how important it was
to come full circle until now.
Why, whats changed?
Ive just been thinking a lot
about our legacy.
Im not getting any younger,
Jacob.
But theres still time to make
my mothers dream a reality.
Coming back here,
putting out a Zimmer's sign...
that would mean everything
to my parents.
To your parents.
Yeah, I understand.
Thank you, Jacob.
This means everything to me.
[Beth] David... Im not sure why
you didn't make it on time today
but I have to thank you because
now I finally know what I want.
I cant thank you enough
for opening up to me,
helping me understand myself
a little better,
and inspiring me to say
what needs to be said.
Someday youll find
your beshert.
But I think I already
found mine.
Its a little complicated
but I think we can make it work.
And to be honest, it might not,
but I have to try.
I wish you nothing but the best.
And if I had another good luck
penny to give you,
I would, Id give you
a million of them.
Oh, and by the way...
my real name is Molly.
If you're ever on the lower
east side,
stop by Gilbert's Deli
and let me buy my good friend
David a lunch.
Would you like something else
while youre waiting?
On, no thank you.
I'm... not waiting anymore.
Okay.
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
Hey... psst.
Hey! Has anyone
seen Jacob?
Ive been looking
for him everywhere
and he hasnt been answering
his texts.
Well, we havent.
But you look very nice.
Thanks.
Did you meet David?
I... decided not to meet David
after all.
Why not?
I guess I saw the light.
[laughs]
I see what you did there.
Nice.
Jacobs the one, bubbe.
Are you sure?
Even after all this
deli mishegaas?
Never been so sure
of anything.
And dont worry,
Ill pay you back for the whole
matchmaker thing.
Oh, who cares about that?
You found love.
Thats all Ive ever wanted
for you.
Its all that matters.
But if his stupid deli
puts us out of business,
hes dead to me.
Okay.
Well, he said he was going
to try and talk his family
out of opening it out here.
But even if he doesnt,
I dont think business
should come before love.
Do you?
Not if its the real deal.
I think it is.
What are you waiting for?
[laughs]
-Go!
-Okay.
Hey! Did Molly come
back here?
I havent seen her
but I did get a delivery.
[muttering]
She broke up with me.
She wants to be with me!
Wonder of wonder,
miracle of miracles.
Thomas, Fiddler on the Roof!
Big fan.
Me too! Yes!
Okay. Okay, I have to go
find her.
Go get her, tiger.
Yes!
-Jacob! Jacob.
-Hey!
There you are.
Ive been looking for you.
I know, I was looking
for you too.
Well, you havent been
answering your texts.
I know, I've... I've been
with my family.
Theyre here?
I have a lot to tell you.
Yeah, me too.
Look, I... I didn't meet
David today.
Uh, well actually he was late,
but it ended up being the best
thing that could've happened
'cause I... I wrote to him.
I told him it wasn't going
to work out.
Because he was late?
No, because all I could think
about was you.
Whats wrong?
We signed the deal today,
Molly.
Were opening Zimmers East
in the spring.
I thought... you said you were
gonna talk them out of it.
I was.
Until I found out why it was
so important to my grandmother.
It turns out that being here
has as much history for
my family as it does yours.
You said they never
even lived here.
I was wrong.
My great grandparents met here.
Their dreams started here
on the lower east side
just like your familys.
Molly, I swear I did not know
about any of this until today.
I'm so sorry, I...
I know this is not what
you wanted to hear.
But I promise...
I will not let anything happen
to Gilbert's.
You cant make that promise.
Jake, if I knew your family
had a past here
I never wouldve asked you
to walk away.
You have your own history
to honor.
Nobody understands that
more than I do.
Yeah, but then we cant
be together.
Thats what you said.
I know what I said, but...
if this is really meant to be,
then...
Don't you think we should try
to find a way to make this work?
Youre amazing.
You know that?
But there is one more thing
I need to tell you.
[sighs]
[laughs]
I... I was gonna tell you
at lunch.
And then my parents showed up
to sign the deal
and I had to go with them
to try to stop them.
And then I talked
to my grandmother
and then everything changed.
And... I'm so...
I'm so sorry, Molly,
that I was not there on time.
But I... I am here now
and I'm hoping that now that
you... you know.
How long?
Sorry?
How long have you known
that I was... Beth?
Uh...
Three days.
What?
I wanted to wait until I knew
that we werent opening here
and then I could tell you
and then nothing else would be
standing in our way.
I just told you that even if
you opened here
we would figure it out.
You... you...you told me
that tonight!
But then the rest of the time
you said that if we opened up
a Zimmers here,
that being together
would be impossible.
So I was trying to do
the right thing
and then it turned out
all wrong.
This isnt about
the deli anymore.
This is about trust.
Thats gone.
[elevator dings]
Molly...
Bubbe? Um... I need
to tell you something.
Its locked.
I guess Ill wait.
Join the club.
Are you a client?
Do I look like one?
My grandson is.
Oh. My granddaughter too.
Im here for a refund actually.
The entire process has been
wholly unprofessional.
I agree.
My granddaughter was set up
with some dishonest guy
who lied about who he was...
twice.
Well, my grandson was matched
with a selfish woman
who tried to talk him out of
opening up his business at all.
Who does such a thing?
Oh, please.
How can you make
decent latkes
when youre too busy making
everything else under the sun.
I assure you, our latke recipe
knows no equal.
Ill bet if we put our latkes
side by side,
people would say ours
were by far the best.
Ill take that bet.
Tonight.
After the eighth candle.
Winner gets uncontested
bragging rights.
Best latkes in New York City.
For how long?
Forever.
Youre on.
If you see her, tell
Mrs. Mizansky I was here.
So unprofessional.
Theyre here.
Uh, for the record, I...
I did try to talk my grandmother
out of this.
I did too.
Clearly neither
of them listened.
Well... may the best
latke win.
It will.
Hmm.
You have to know Jacob cares
about Molly so deeply.
He... he was just trying
to navigate
an impossible situation.
Same. Molly cares
about him too, but...
she is stubborn like
her grandmother.
I don't think she's gonna
get past this any time soon.
Honestly, I dont blame her.
And I gave him an earful already
about the whole thing.
I just want the kids
to be happy.
So do I.
-Ed!
-What?
Come here.
-Gabe!
-What?
You must be Ed Levy.
Gabe Speigelman.
Nice to meet you.
Ive heard great things
about your food.
Oh, thanks. And mazel tov on
all your success in California.
Thanks.
I just want you to know,
whatever happens,
no hard feelings.
I wish for nothing but success
for the both of us.
I appreciate that.
Our concepts are so different.
Hey, words already getting
out there about tonight.
Its great publicity
for us both.
Yeah. I just hope they realize
it's, uh... not a legally
binding deal.
You wanna tell them that?
Nope.
[laughing]
I am so sorry.
I have never seen Ruth
like this.
Same with Esther.
Have you seen online?
Theyre calling it the battle
of the bubbies.
-What?
-You didnt see? Look.
[gasps]
Okay.
We need someone that neither
family knows
to put the latkes out.
That way we wont know
whos are whose.
[clears throat]
Anybody know her?
Welcome to Gilberts.
Let the judging commence!
Applesauce or sour cream?
[both] Both.
Mmm. This is the one.
I think we have a problem.
The kids are right.
Theyre exactly the same.
I knew you spied on us.
How dare you accuse my grandson
of doing such a thing.
A shonda.
Oh, like he hasnt
lied before.
My purse, please.
We used this exact recipe that
my mother brought from Russia.
I have had it with me every day
since my mother passed.
Look for yourself.
This... this can't be.
Get the journal.
-Whats going on?
-I have no idea.
Thanks.
You see?
Here is my mothers recipe she
brought with her from Poland.
-Its the exact same thing.
-Yes.
What year did your mother come?
Do you know what ship?
[both] The Rotterdam.
We have a picture of
the Rotterdam right here
so we never forget
where we came from.
You know...
my mother wrote about meeting
a girl her age on the ship.
And she said they wouldn't have
survived without each other
and they... they were
like sisters.
And they decided that they were
gonna share everything.
All of their hopes and dreams
and fears...
and the family recipes.
And that girl's name was...
Sura.
Yes. How did you
know that?
That was my mothers name.
She changed it to Sarah
when they got to Ellis Island.
Wait...
"Sura eventually moved to
California and we lost touch.
"I wish I knew how to find her,
but every time I make latkes,
"I think of her...
"and pray to God
that she's happy."
Think about all the miracles
that had to happen
for us to get here.
At Hanukkah, no less.
It couldnt be more clear.
You two were meant to find
each other.
[Esther] We all were!
[speaking in Yiddish]
[chattering]
[both] Can we talk?
Um, I'm so sorry.
Excuse me.
I still cant even wrap
my mind around this.
I know.
The whole thing is incredible.
And Im still mad at you.
Even after everything
that just happened?
Well, that doesnt change
what you did.
Molly, you have to know
how sorry I am
that I havent told you about
everything and I wasnt upfront.
Okay? But its kind of like
when you didnt tell your family
who I was right away.
What?
You know, youre trying to keep
everybody happy, so was I.
No. You know what?
Youre right.
And I was late for lunch
because I was trying
one last time to get my family
to open somewhere else.
So that we could have
a chance.
I never shouldve asked you
to do that.
That wasnt fair of me.
When I read your last letter...
it broke my heart.
And then I realized that we feel
the same way about each other.
And we still had a shot.
So, I'm just asking for...
for... one last chance.
For me to be everything
that you fell for with David.
Yeah, except I fell for Jacob
even more.
It doesnt matter if were
Beth and David
or Molly and Jacob.
Were soulmates.
Were beshert.
[cheers and applause]
Look, our families
do blend together so
perfectly, don't they?
Oh...
Aww.
Its too bad we cant just open
a new deli, right?
A little of the old.
A little of the new.
And the best latkes
in New York.
Oh, they'd never go for it.
Actually, we were just talking
about the same thing.
Rebecca and Sarahs Deli.
Or... Sarah and Rebecca's Deli.
[laughter]
Well flip a coin.
Anyone have one?
-Oh...
-Actually...
Maybe later.
Come here.
One, two, three,
four, five...
Happy Hanukkah.
Six, seven, eight...
nights celebrate...
our light...
Happy Hanukkah.
Light, light, light,
light, light...
I still got it.
Candles burning bright...
Golden and blue...
shining through
the darkest night...
Okay Bubbe.
Here we go.
Egg cream attempt number four.
Getting there.
Oh, come on!
I did it the exact way
you wrote it down.
Ruth, why are you
torturing her?
Shes gonna be running the deli
in a year or two.
I need to show you the right way
to make everything
from latkes to egg creams.
Just the way Seymour...
and I did for your dad.
And Rebecca and Izzy
did for you.
Oh... Exactly.
And better Molly learn it now
because you never know
when Ill be drinking that
giant egg cream in the sky.
Oh, Ruth...
Mom, please.
Youre immortal.
We all know this.
[laughs]
Id be exhausted.
Okay. One more time.
Now... stir with less force,
more of a swirl.
Okay. You know Gilberts
are famous for our latkes,
not our egg creams.
What, it cant be both?
Are you sure you dont need help
in the back?
You know, people are gonna be
lining up at the crack of dawn
to get their latkes for
the first night of Hanukkah.
Its gonna be way too hectic
back there, Moll.
Were making more latkes
than ever this year.
I just hope its enough.
What do you mean?
Its nothing.
You know Hanukkah week,
we either break even
or we make a profit,
and this year were a little
further from even
than wed like.
Im not worried.
You can make double
the amount from last year.
Youre a well-oiled machine
back there.
They thought the latkes would
only last for one night.
But they lasted for eight!
Get it, Ruth?
Because they were well-oiled.
[laughs]
[laughs]
Oh...
Hanukkah... eight nights.
Is this on?
[laughs]
[Stan] Nothing?
I got it Stan and I thank you
as always for your input.
Oh.
Mom, look what I just got.
How cool is...
Oh!
And it lights up when you press
the button.
-Its beautiful.
-I know.
Are you sure you cant stay
for the first night of
Hanukkah with us?
I am meeting with the building
owner in New York
first thing on Saturday.
So you guys are just gonna
have to, you know, take a video.
Nice! Very modern.
I love it.
You sure you dont want me
to come with you to New York?
Do you think that you need to?
Its just a lot of red tape
opening a new location,
especially across the country.
You know that nobody knows
this business better than I do,
right?
Except for you.
And you.
And Bubbe.
Okay, so then its me.
[laughs]
We know you will do fine.
Right, Ed?
I suppose.
And once you get it up and
running you can come home.
Or I can stay and manage
it myself.
You can't.
I'll miss you too much.
-Oh...
-I'll miss you too much.
Hes not a baby bird, Lizzie.
He has to leave
the nest sometime!
Why? So he can fly into
a window and die?
[laughs]
Oh, wow.
I love you too, Mom.
Hey. Hey.
Be sure to find suppliers
that can handle our menu.
We never want anyone
to walk out of Zimmers
without getting what they want.
Even the poutine?
Which someone has literally
not ordered
at this place in 20 years.
You never know.
A guy from Montreal
could come in
looking for a taste
of home today.
Bubbe, back me up on this.
About what?
The poutine.
Do we really need to keep that
on the menu?
What have you got
against Canadians?
Nothing.
I just think that maybe
theres a few things
that we could trim when
we open up in New York.
Absolutely not.
Aye.
When my mother came here
in 1914,
she couldnt find the food
that reminded her of home.
They opened Zimmers so everyone
should have a...
[all] taste of home.
No matter where
they came from.
Our menu is the American
melting pot.
With a side of pickles.
[Liz] Oh, oh, oh, oh!
You are not gonna believe this.
You are not gonna believe this.
Someone just ordered
the poutine.
Ha! I told you.
Thats incredible.
Mmhmm.
Or... you just texted Mom
and told her to say that.
My sons... so smart.
Hes so smart, smart.
Hes so smart. Oy!
And you... you have the worst
poker face in the world.
So cute though.
[laughing]
So, did you find a nice place
to stay
while youre
there temporarily?
Yes, I found a short-term rental
that happens to be
on the same street
that the business is on.
So, you know...
I could scope out
the neighborhood.
And while you're in town,
if you happen to meet
a nice Jewish girl...
[all] Ah...
Bubbe!
What? What?
This is important.
Who else will carry on
the Zimmers Deli legacy?
You know, as much as Id love
to take this whole guilt trip
with me to New York,
Im pretty sure its not gonna
fit in the overhead bin.
[all] Oh!
Good one, right?
[exhales]
Ah...
Come on.
[dog barks]
I'm... I'm actually
renting 2A,
um... is there something
that I'm missing with
these mailboxes?
Because I cannot get
this thing open.
I dont know you.
You could be breaking
into the box.
Well then why would I be asking
for help?
It could be part of your scam.
[dog barks]
Im actually
a really nice guy.
Well see.
-[dog barks]
-Oh!
Let me guess, she thought
you were here to rob us?
Apparently.
Is this... is this not a safe
neighborhood or something?
No, of course not.
Mrs. Rosenbaum thinks
everybodys here to rob us.
Too many true crime
documentaries.
For a few months she was sure
I was a spy.
Ooh, a spy.
For...for who?
Well if I told you I wouldnt
be a really good one, would I?
[laughs]
Also watch out for Pebbles,
you could lose a finger.
Oh yeah.
You know, honestly,
I really am renting 2A.
I can give you
the paperwork.
Its okay.
The Chabans told me
you were coming.
Well, not you, like, a person,
a renter.
Well... that's me.
Can I see the mail key?
Yeah. Can you just...
-Uh, yeah. So, you put it in.
-Okay.
Lift it up a little.
Tiny hitch to the left.
Then down.
Then turn.
Well, thank you.
Thank you.
Im guessing that youve been
living here a while.
My great grandparents moved
into this building
straight from Ellis Island.
When it still looked like that.
-Oh, look at that.
-Yeah.
And 20 years later they bought
all three apartments on six.
My grandmother
was raised here.
And my dad... and me.
Okay. Well, I'm guessing that
counts as, uh... as a while.
Yeah. Im Molly,
by the way.
Jacob. Jake.
Hi. Here, Ill give you
my number.
Oh!
What?
Im flattered.
Im not hitting on you!
Im just being a good neighbor.
Oh.
Besides, youre not my type.
Oh, and what's your type?
Uh, men who can open
a mailbox without help.
[chokes]
Oh, wow... direct hit.
[chuckles]
Where are you from?
California... uh,
Los Angeles.
That explains it.
Explains what?
That was not a direct hit.
That was a little "zots"
at best.
You gotta grow a thicker skin
if youre planning on staying
in New York for a while.
Bye!
Hey Thomas.
[laughing]
[elevator ding]
[Jewish music]
Theres gotta be 10 years
of wax built up in this thing.
Oh, put it in the freezer
for about an hour,
the wax will pop right out.
Nah, its more fun to dig it out
with a walnut pick.
So satisfying.
Oh yeah.
Well do it later, right honey?
Yeah.
You really are two peas
in a pod.
More like two matzo balls
in a bowl.
-Eww.
-Ugh.
What? I run a deli!
Ooh. Mind if I grab a couple
of these for the road?
That reminds me.
Why you leaving so early?
Do you have a date?
Funny.
Im not laughing.
No. I just wanna get
a good nights sleep
before the big
latke rush tomorrow.
Here, bring these
leftovers home
in case youre hungry later.
Mom, Im fine.
Fine, shmine. Take it.
-Thank you.
-Yeah.
What?
Bye!
Anyway... the, uh,
the location is great.
It's... I mean, I think I
lucked out with this place.
Oh! Oh... come in.
Miss you!
We miss you already.
Ive been gone a day.
I know but it feels like
a month.
Bubbe wants to talk to you.
Here.
I can do it.
Bye bubbala.
I wanted to talk, just us.
We need to talk.
Bubbe?
A little concerned.
Hey, I have the expansion
all under control.
You wanted to open up here
and we will.
But hey, listen, you never
told me about
why it's so important to you.
Dont worry about that.
Whats more important
is what comes after that.
Youre the last of
our family line.
Here we go.
Here we go.
What? Im not trying to pressure
you into marriage, Molly.
That is literally
what youre doing.
Okay. So whats a little
pressure anyway?
Come on, Ive tried. But I...
I have this tendency
of staying with guys for
way longer than I should.
It's exhausting.
I'm... I'm just tired.
I know, I know.
But... what if I told you
it didn't have to be so hard?
Id ask if you were drinking
a little too much Manischewitz.
[laughs]
Im here to expand
our business, okay?
That is all Im here
to focus on.
What good is the business if
theres no one to give it to?
Plus... it doesn't hurt that
you're in the promised land
for nice, Jewish girls.
You know that I... I don't have
trouble meeting women.
No. You have trouble meeting
the right women.
Oy.
[sighs]
Whats this?
For you.
[Esther] I left a little early
Hanukkah present in your bag.
Its the cream envelope.
What? I cannot believe...
You sneaky, sneaky Bubbe.
[Molly] Find your bashert-
-[Jake & Molly] Guaranteed?
Beshert? Wait,
thats Yiddish for soulmate.
Exactly.
I've signed you up with a very
famous matchmaker in Brooklyn...
Rose Mizansky.
Who?
Why?
Because you need her.
And she has a 100 percent
success record.
100 percent?
Thats impossible.
She doesnt do anything
with the internet.
No apps, no instabook.
Not even gonna try
to correct you there.
She does everything
the old-fashioned way.
Its wonderful.
Okay. Bubbe look, I appreciate
the thought, I really do.
But I... I just don't think
this is right for me.
Bubbe, thank you so much,
truly.
But I... this...
This... this really
isn't my thing.
I already paid her fee.
Its done.
[both] Happy Hanukkah!
[sighs] Oh my...
Okay, look, how about this?
How about we just put it off
until next year, okay?
After the expansion is open.
Can we just wait until I get
a couple of years
of running Gilberts
under my belt?
Too late.
Shes already found a match!
[both] What?!
[humming]
Thanks, guys.
Only three more loads to go.
Hows it going back there?
The latke making process
has commenced!
Ooh! How lovely.
A messenger dropped it off
before I came in this morning.
They clearly dont waste
any time.
Alright.
Uh... no sharing real names.
No sharing location.
No sharing any other
identifying information.
What is he supposed to call me,
bachelorette number one?
You use an alias.
The matchmaker suggested
David and Beth.
Whats wrong with Beth?
Beth was the name
of the girl
who stole my boyfriend
in eighth grade.
I hate Beth.
[laughs]
Its only temporary,
just while youre getting
to know each other.
How are we supposed
to do that?
Uh, with no texting,
no photos, no email,
no internet searches and
no talking on the phone.
Whats left?
Writing letters?
Actually yes.
Thats what the stationery
is for.
No way.
This is her process
and she makes it work.
Does she also want me
to use a quill
and write on papyrus
by candlelight?
Shes provided a very nice
pen and paper.
I think its very classy.
What if I make a mistake?
What, am I supposed
to use White Out?
Think of it like the people
who handwrite the Torah.
If they make a mistake they
have to start all over again.
It makes you take your time
and really think carefully
about what youre writing.
Thats the whole point.
Its Hanukkah, Bubbe.
I dont have time
for deep thoughts,
just latkes, dreidels
and menorahs.
Well, lucky for you
the man writes first.
And maybe he wont even write
until after Hanukkah.
Of course that would make him
a procrastinator
which isnt a quality you want
in a life partner.
What if he gets "there",
"theyre" and "their" wrong?
Then we cancel
the whole thing,
never speak of this again.
[laughs]
No, what I'm saying is that
I have terrible handwriting.
Okay? It looks like a...
like a first grader's.
Ooh, look at that.
Im not even joking.
You know what I can do?
I can use that handwriting font
on my computer
and then just print it out
on this lovely paper.
Huh?
Just take your time, bubbala.
Its not what the letter
looks like thats important,
its what it says.
I dont even know where
to start.
I have faith in you.
Bye-bye bubbala!
Okay.
Right. Dear Beth.
Shalom...
Shalom? What?
Thats not ever gonna work.
Dear Beth.
Greetings and salutations.
I am such a nice, formal
gentleman who says, "greetings".
Happy first night.
[laughing]
Sup?
I need to take a break.
Hi everyone.
Thank you for your patience.
Here you go.
Oh! Dont forget the applesauce
is here, Frank.
Oh, I wont.
Cant get enough
of these latkes.
Hey!
Oh, hey neighbor.
Yeah. What's...what's going on
with the line?
Gilberts latkes.
Best in the world.
-Really?
-Mmhmm.
That's... according to who?
Uh... everyone.
Hanukkahs not Hanukkah
without Gilberts latkes.
Well, if you're Jewish, I mean.
Not that you can't enjoy them,
you know, if you aren't Jewish.
It's...
Well, you know, lucky for me
I am a member of the tribe.
Ah!
So... you?
Uh...
I can still recite the Torah
portion from my Bat Mitzvah
if you need proof.
[small laugh]
Uh... so this is Gilbert's, huh?
Uh-huh. Mmhmm.
A little dated.
You know, I always feel like
if a place looks rundown,
the food kinda is too.
Well the place has been here
for almost 100 years,
so it must be doing
something right.
Molly!
Your grandmother kicked me out
for poking my head
into the kitchen.
Well, you know the rules, Stan.
Kitchens off-limits while
theyre making the latkes.
Bubbe wants to make sure
no one outside the family
sees our secret recipe.
Then Ill marry her,
problem solved.
Okay.
[laughs]
See you tomorrow, Stan.
This is your Bubbe?
Mmhmm.
Ruth Gilbert Speigelman.
Daughter of Izzy and Rebecca-
Gilbert. I am so sorry
for what I said.
Dont worry about it.
I... uh... I gotta go.
I got a meeting to get to.
Oh yeah, I gotta go serve
some more of that rundown food.
I really am sorry.
Happy Hanukkah.
Yeah, you too.
[groans]
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
Do you want a hand with that?
Okay. Ill grab another
tray later.
Thanks Mom.
You did not tell me there
was gonna be a menorah lighting.
Oh...
There's a menorah lighting.
Thank you.
[laughing]
Well, stick around if you want.
Were handing out cookies
and singing Hanukkah songs.
Oh, both of them.
All two.
[laughs]
Somebody really should write
another song.
Oh, I tried.
Nothing rhymes with latke.
Got...ke... Gotke.
That sounds familiar.
-Mmhmm.
-Yeah.
Yeah, thats, um, Yiddish
for long underwear.
And thats why theres only
two songs.
Probably.
[notification alert]
-Oh, sorry.
-Oh...
Its okay.
Okay. Okay...
[phone ringing]
Hi. Hi.
Yeah.
Yes, I know. I will.
I love you too.
Okay. Bye.
I gotta go.
I, um...
I got a... deadline.
-Oh.
-Yeah.
You seem like
a very busy person.
-Eh...
-What do you do?
Im in sales.
Hmm.
Sorry to miss the singalong.
Lucky for you, youve got
seven more chances.
Ah...
[both] Happy Hanukkah...
Happy Hanukkah.
-[Molly laughs]
-Okay.
I had a little dreidel...
I made it out of clay.
And when its
dry and ready,
oh dreidel I shall play.
Oh dreidel, dreidel,
dreidel...
I made it out of clay.
Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel...
oh dreidel I shall play.
Hey!
I dont know where to start
so here are three fun facts
about me.
I love black licorice.
Controversial, right off
the bat.
Two... I hate ranch dressing
that comes from a bottle
and I judge harshly
any restaurant who uses it
instead of making their own.
And, apparently, I make
a breathy ahh sound
after drinking any
hot beverage.
Im pretty sure thats why
my last relationship ended.
Or it ended because I wasn't
ready for forever and, uh...
to be honest,
I'm still not ready.
I'm giving this matchmaker thing
a chance for my bubbe's sake
but it wouldn't be fair
to lead you on, so...
If you're not tearing
this letter in half
and cursing my name,
I... I hope we can be friends.
David.
Yeah, I got it.
Oh, uh... can you text
the delivery address again?
It didn't come through.
[notification alert]
Im already at 114 Allen Street.
Okay.
[mischievous music]
This should be interesting.
Huh.
[chuckles]
Thanks for your honesty.
And Im not upset, Im relieved.
I'm only doing this
for my bubbe too.
So yes, I'm happy
to be your pen pal.
Poor matchmaker though,
she has no idea were about
to ruin her perfect record.
Its kind of refreshing
to be this honest.
Ive stayed in relationships
for way too long
because it was easier
to avoid conflict
than to say what I was
really feeling.
So, in the spirit of honesty,
the black licorice thing
was a deal breaker.
This never would've worked.
Thats supposed to be
a wink emoji.
How did people do this
before keyboards?
Now, picture a laughing emoji
and a shrug and Im done.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Beth.
[elevator dings]
Hi Thomas.
Uh, a messenger
will come pick this up.
-Have a great day.
-You too.
Thank you.
Picking up from Mizansky's
Matchmaking.
Uh, right here.
You know... all this
sneaking around,
it's really stressing me out.
All youre doing is changing
the out envelopes, right?
I could take care of that
for you.
If you do, I'll share
the delivery fee with you.
Works for me.
I have an envelope for you.
Oh... thanks.
Huh.
[chuckles]
[laughs]
Made with love.
And butter.
[laughs]
Well?
Well what?
Did you get your first letter?
Oh... that.
Come on, Moll.
Were all dying to know.
Not me, I dont care.
Reverse psychology
is not gonna work, Dad.
Just spill it, kid.
For your bubbes sake.
Well, if you must know...
Yes, I got a letter.
And?
And...
he's going to make
a very nice pen pal.
-Oh.
-Huh.
Thats it? Thats all youre
gonna tell us?
When are you gonna
write him back?
Oh... I already did.
Oh?
Uh-huh.
Okay, don't get all excited
everyone, okay? I...
[sighs]
We're both on the same page,
we're just... we're not ready.
That's the end of that.
What are you gonna do?
Anyway...
I've had an idea of what
we can do tonight
after the menorah lighting.
I was having a conversation
with a friend last night
about the Hanukkah songs.
And what if we invited
everyone back here
for a new Hanukkah song contest?
Huh?
Winner gets free latkes
for the rest of Hanukkah.
Free latkes?
Oh, it could be fun.
And it would drum up business.
Well, we dont need a gimmick
to get people through the door.
-Our food speaks for itself.
-Mmhmm.
Yeah, but what if people
look in here
and see that everything's
a little... you know...
worse for wear and don't
even come in?
This is a way around that.
Oh, come on Dad.
Its Hanukkah.
We have to do something
tonight, right?
Ehh...
Alright. Do me a favor,
keep it simple.
You got it, simple.
I dont want us turning into
something that were not.
Not something were not.
What did you say
was here before?
A Jewish deli.
Same as you.
You know, they just dont do
as well as they used to.
The one down the street,
Gilbert's...
well, ten bucks says
they close down
within the next couple
of years.
Uh... well, we're a very
different concept.
It's more modern.
It's a bigger menu.
Hm, yeah. I'm not, uh, trying
to talk you out of it.
I'm just saying...
your latkes...
they better be good
because nobody beats Gilbert's.
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
[laughs]
Happy night two.
Same to you.
Oh! I owe you one,
by the way.
Our conversation about Hanukkah
songs inspired me to do this.
Yeah, happy to help.
Did you write a song?
Uh, you can go first, you know,
if you really want to.
As a matter of fact,
I did indeed write a new
Hanukkah song.
Oh.
When I was 12.
And it was to the tune
of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer".
So, I think that... that
probably disqualifies me.
Just a smidge.
Yeah.
Oh, come.
There's a seat over there.
Okay.
See, I told you this would be
a good thing for us.
Its wonderful.
-Oh, Mom, Dad, this is Jake.
-Hi.
Hes renting 2A for
a couple months.
Its nice to meet you.
Pleasure. Order up.
Ooh... that is some
fine-looking corned beef.
How long do brine that for,
like two, three weeks?
Try five.
Really? That long?
Next we boil it, steam it,
then we hand carve it.
Thats why ours is the best.
The best?
I said, the best.
I meant the best.
Try it.
Ehh?
Mmm...
Now the pastrami,
it's like butter.
The rub is an
old family recipe.
Ehh?
Wow.
Dont forget the fries.
Oh!
[Molly] Oh, and you have to try
it with the ranch.
Uh... this is made in house?
Of course.
Who do you think we are,
heathens?
Ehh?
Ehh?
Mmm.
[laughing]
Well feel free to leave
a good review online.
We dont get too many
because most of our clientele
are still printing out PDFs and
sending them to their grandkids
through the mail.
[laughs]
[clears throat]
[microphone feedback]
Hanukkah! Hanukkah!
Hanukkah!
[weak applause]
Ah, its catchy but you cant
dance to it.
[laughs]
Hanukkah's here
and we can't agree...
if it starts with an "H"
or if it starts with a "C"
But the only thing
that really matters to me
is jelly donuts...
Thats it.
-Oh.
-Oh.
Oh, sorry.
[applause]
Ive been working on this one
for a little while.
To me, the story of Hanukkah
represents... hope.
And the belief that even
in the darkness,
there's always a way
to find the light.
[strumming guitar]
One, two, three,
four, five...
six, seven, eight...
nights celebrate our light.
Light, light, light,
light, light...
Candles burning bright...
Golden and blue...
shining through
the darkness night.
Night, night, night,
night, night...
Let the light shine...
let the light shine...
in the window...
in the window...
When you think it's almost
gone there is still hope...
There is still hope...
There is still hope...
[cheers and applause]
Thank you very much.
I think we have a winner.
Natalie, that was so beautiful.
Here are your
well-earned latkes.
Just hope you have
enough room.
Thanks. Im gonna share these
with the kids.
-Happy Hanukkah!
-Happy Hanukkah.
Here you go.
Hmm... mmhmm...
Oh wow.
Wow. You must be hungry.
This is so much good food.
This is the best rye bread
Ive ever had.
Thats what everyone says
first time
they have authentic
Jewish deli.
[laughs]
Um... that's the thing...
see, this is not...
-Jake?
-Ezra!
-No way!
[laughs]
What are you doing
in New York, man?
What are you, you scoping out
the competition?
Uh...
What does he mean
the competition?
Hey, are you trying to tell me
that this entire time you-
Oh, come here.
So, this is why youve been
snooping around,
ordering all that food?
What, are you trying to steal
our recipes,
take them back to LA?
Oh, I should've known
all that charm of yours
was just a bunch of...
Oh, you think Im charming?
Dont change the subject!
I'm sorry, Molly.
Yes, I should've told
you sooner,
but no, I'm not trying
to steal anything.
I swear.
So youre not the competition
like your friend said?
Not... yet.
What is that supposed to mean?
My family wants to open a
Zimmers on the lower east side.
Well, just so you know,
your concept isn't going
to work here.
Why not?
Well, Gilberts is one of
the oldest Jewish delis left
on the lower east side.
You know, people come to us for
the history, for the tradition.
Ive seen your menu, Jake.
Real Jewish delis dont serve
fajitas and Fettuccine Alfredo.
Hey, you know,
there's nothing wrong
with giving everyone
a little taste of home.
And thats why our menu
keeps changing.
Okay? Were trying to keep up
with the times,
not cling to the past.
Again, that is what people love
about us.
Well, apparently
not enough people.
Oh.
Uh, I'm just saying
that to survive
you have to be willing
to change.
"When you're finished changing,
you're finished."
Ben Franklin.
"Without our traditions,
"our life would be as shaky
as a fiddler on the roof."
Tevye.
Who?
Fiddler on the roof.
The main character?
Oh, I never saw that.
Are you sure youre
even Jewish?
What do you wanna see,
a DNA test?
No. Thank you.
As a matter of fact,
Im not sure I wanna see you
around either.
Okay... okay.
I get it, but listen,
for the record...
I think that there's room enough
for both of us on this street.
Whoa... wait, hold on.
You're... you're planning
on opening on this street?
Unbelievable!
Uh...
[elevator dings]
You know why I believe in God?
Because every time
Im a little down,
I get some kind of sign
that makes me think
that someone up there
is watching out for me.
Like today, I found
a heads up penny.
I mean, that has to mean
something good is coming.
Right?
Or, I suppose it could also
mean someone dropped a penny.
[laughs]
-Here you go, Stan.
-Thank you, Eve.
Oh, that looks delicious.
Theres no way their latkes
are as good as ours.
Whos latkes?
Oh. Uh... the frozen ones
from the store.
Oh, you mean hashbrowns.
No self-respecting Jewish family
is gonna make latkes
from frozen.
[laughs]
Ive had them in a pinch,
theyre not half bad.
You hear that Stan?
Thats the sound of your parents
rolling in their graves.
[laughs]
Oh.
You know what
I was thinking?
We should try and get more
young people in the deli.
Kids, families...
like we had last night.
What did you have in mind?
I, um... I think I need to take
a look at the financials
from the past tenants again.
Uh, could I... could I have
a couple more days?
[sighs]
Yeah. Sure.
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
Hey, jelly donut making class
at the deli in an hour.
Tell your parents.
-Hey, bring the kids!
-Mom, would you mind?
Hi. Oh, good to see you.
[Molly] See you there, yeah?
[Molly] See you there.
We have all the supplies.
Maybe we shouldnt do this.
It just seems like
were trying too hard.
Maybe we havent been trying
hard enough.
What was that?
Nothing.
Dad, Ive already handed out
all the flyers
and bought all the supplies.
Come on, we cant
back out now.
Joey, bring Chase and Janice.
[Molly] See you there.
Okay, well here...
[Gabe] At Hanukkah, we eat
a lot of fried foods.
After all, the holiday is all
about the miracle of the oil.
And that's why we have
our famous latkes.
But we also make donuts,
Sufganiyot.
I am so thankful
that we can still bring
these traditions to you all.
And that my daughter talked me
into teaching you all tonight.
This is totally my jam!
[laughing]
See, arent you glad
we did this?
Ah, I guess it doesnt hurt
to remind people
why we do what we do, huh?
Good. Because I have
so many ideas
for the rest of Hanukkah.
Let the donut making commence!
[cheering]
Hey! This is why youre here,
right?
To see how we do it?
See for yourself.
Cant do it better.
Molly, the messenger left this
for you.
Oh. Thank you.
[David] I have to tell you...
your letters have become
a bright spot in my day.
Especially when things are
so chaotic in my real life.
Maybe thats why this letter
writing thing works for people.
You get to know them
on a deeper level.
Okay. Prepare yourself,
this is going to sound cheesy,
but maybe thats
what soulmates means.
You fall for someones soul
first and the rest comes later.
[Beth] What you said isnt
cheesy at all.
I like talking to someone
who doesnt hold back
who they are or how they feel.
Today I found out that someone
I thought was going to be
a good friend is
actually someone
who could put me
out of business.
And the worst part is,
all the things he said
about my business, I think
he may be right.
But the harder I push, the more
upset my family gets.
Its a family business.
Did I tell you that?
Anyway, like
Ben Franklin said,
"When you're finished changing,
you're finished."
And maybe Im even changing
my mind
about this whole matchmaker
thing too.
Youre not going
to believe this
but I just found this
right in front of me.
So, maybe its a sign.
And since its Hanukkah
Im sending it to you.
So now you have two
good luck pennies.
Dont blow it.
Use them well.
[elevator dings]
Oh, hi. Sorry.
Hi Thomas.
A messenger from Mizanskys
will be here soon
to pick this up.
-[Thomas] Mizanskys.
-[Molly] Mmhmm.
-Got it.
-Bye.
Bye.
Morning Thomas.
Any, uh, deliveries for me?
There you go.
Beth is Molly Speigelman.
Im not at liberty to say.
This has to be her.
I need you... I need you
to tell me right now.
I need you, um, to tell me
that this is not a coincidence.
Youre one lucky guy.
[car horn beeps]
Oh, minivans here!
Lets start loading these up.
Hey. We need to talk.
[Molly] Im just leaving.
Catering at a Hanukkah party
at the JCC tonight.
Great. I will help you
and we can talk on the way.
Uh, no thank you!
No. We dont need
your help.
-Jacob, how are you?
-Fine, thanks.
I was asking if Molly
wanted any help
with the Hanukkah party.
Un-huh.
Of course.
The more the merrier.
Youre so kind to offer.
We have to have you over
for shabbat dinner this week.
No!
-Molly!
-[Gabe] Come here. Come here.
What has gotten into you?
Nothing. I'm just...
following the matchmaker's
rules.
You know, not dating
anyone else
while I'm going through
the process.
Who said anything
about dating him?
Hes just being neighborly.
Let him help.
[Gabe] Try it.
Ehh?
Mmm.
[Gabe chuckles]
-No, no, theres more.
-Okay.
If you just close your eyes
-You got it?
-Yup. Mmhmm.
You can taste the delight
On my eight favorite nights
Happy Hanukkah.
Like a warm winter dream
Where the snow castles gleam
Only on my eight
favorite nights
The children are playing
The latkes are baking
The candles come to life
[cheering]
Everything is wonderful
On my eight favorite nights
Ooh... this is quite a spread.
Feel free to dig in.
Okay.
What... what
are you doing?
Oh... it's my special
toppings trick.
Your special toppings trick?
Yeah.
Okay.
Smash the capers
into the cream cheese.
You...
Tomato, then...
Then onion... then lox.
Ah... that is insane.
No, it's genius.
This way it all stays put.
Who wants to see their capers
rolling all over the floor?
This is a shonda.
You go big to small.
Okay, cream cheese...
Mmhmm.
Lox, tomato, onions...
and then capers.
-Uh-huh.
-Everybody knows this.
-Oh.
-Okay?
Uh... Caper in point.
Okay fine, so you take
the capers
and you put them in the little
holes between the tomatoes.
No, because then it
still falls off
when you go to take a bite.
My ways better.
And don't forget a squeeze
of lemon juice on top.
Oh, is this a joke?
Is this a joke?
Am I on a Jewish
candid camera show?
Like, what... what is that?
Am I being pranked?
-No.
-With the... with the...
Okay. Just try it, alright?
Try my way. One bite.
Hm?
Okay, its good.
Its great.
Its great.
You keep it.
Do I have some on my...?
[chuckles]
This building was one of
the first tenements
on the lower east side.
Its beautiful.
Not at the turn of
the century it wasnt.
Until the 1930s either
of these were overcrowded,
unsanitary, dangerous
apartments.
With barely any room to move
or breathe.
It was miserable.
Why stay?
Because it was still better
than what they endured
in their home countries.
They knew in time theyd make
their American dream come true.
You know, in the early 1900s
the Jewish immigrants
would gather at the deli,
like Gilbert's...
where they would sing
and laugh and eat.
With people that understood
their language.
And their humor.
And... their past.
Gilberts was like an oasis
for them.
A place where they could feel
at home.
We weren't supposed to last...
but we did.
Like the oil in
the Hanukkah story.
Huh?
[laughs] Yes.
Except instead of eight nights
its 100 years.
Look, all I'm saying is...
opening a Jewish deli here,
you have to understand
what that really means.
Im starting to.
And with your menu,
the more modern style...
why don't you go
somewhere trendier?
My family insists
on opening here.
Its what my grandmother wants.
Does she have a history here?
I think they went straight
through to California,
but actually Im not sure.
They wanted a new life in a new
country with new traditions
cause they were not afraid
of change.
Which, by the way,
is the lesson
of Fiddler on the Roof,
which I watched after you
shamed me into it.
[laughs]
I dont know, maybe the reason
that all those other delis
didnt make it is because they
refused to keep with the times.
I mean, can you imagine...
[laughs]
Can you imagine if people
still used a matchmaker?
Oh... I dont know.
Doesnt sound like such
a bad idea.
I bet it's nice to get
to know someone on...
on a deeper level.
Because sometimes you can meet
someone and then find out
they are not who they said
they were.
I did not mean to upset you.
Okay?
And now that I'm starting
to understand
what Gilbert's really
represents here,
I... I truly don't wanna do
anything to hurt your business.
So, youll open somewhere else?
I dont think I can do that.
Wait... here?
There is where you're planning
on opening your deli?
You're... you're practically
on top of us.
I... we have not signed
the deal yet,
but, uh... yeah, yeah, it looks
like this... this is it.
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
Tonights turnout is even worse
than last night.
We shouldve planned something.
Well, people are busy, Molly.
They cant always come.
Exactly!
They need a reason to come...
and we need to give them one.
Before its too late.
Molly...
Molly...
Is there something
youre not telling us?
Zimmers!
Zimmers Deli from Los Angeles?
How do you know this?
It doesnt matter how I know,
theyre coming.
But why come here?
Why now?
You know, I went there
in the '80s.
With Seymour, rest his soul.
[all] Rest his soul.
Their menu was like
a casino buffet.
Its too much.
Theyre nothing like us.
Weve got nothing
to worry about.
Theyve got deep pockets,
Ruth.
Im sure the rent increases
wont even phase them.
Wait, what rent increases?
You told me we were fine.
We didnt wanna ruin
your Hanukkah.
Everybody on the blocks
gonna have to pay more soon.
Okay. Look...
I know I'm not in charge yet
and I know you don't wanna
hear this...
but it's time for you
to trust me.
Okay.
Okay.
Bubbe?
Alright already.
Okay. Now I have an idea
for tomorrow.
Another way to connect
with the community
before Zimmers even opens
their doors.
Ill tell you all about it
after I make a couple calls.
[David] I know were not
supposed to talk about work
but today was rough.
I have to make some pretty
hard decisions
and no matter what I do
someones gonna get hurt.
Especially a friend I care
very much about.
I just hope we can find a way
to help each other instead
of work against each other.
I dont think I can bear it
if Im the cause of their pain.
[Beth] I think if you care
about someone enough,
which you obviously do,
theres always a solution.
Maybe you should just put
everything on the table
and trust that itll work out
the way its meant to.
With that being said, I had
the chance to do that
with my family last night
and left out something
pretty important.
Dont make the same mistake
as me, okay?
Maybe Ill take a little of
my own advice
and tell you whatever happens
in your real life,
youll always have a friend
who cares about you.
And shes just a letter away.
Did Molly leave the building?
A few hours ago.
Im just gonna read this
right here.
[exhales]
[clears throat]
Hey Molly.
Hi Thomas.
Good morning.
Morning.
Thomas, any letters
for me today?
Ah, nothing yet.
What you, uh, what
you got going today?
Wouldnt you like to know.
Well, actually I would.
Youll probably just steal
the idea for next year.
Im not a bad person.
I gotta get back to the deli.
Lots to do before tonight.
You realize that Im eventually
gonna see
what is going on, right?
Like, just...
let me help you.
[sighs]
Okay. Fine.
Christmas is coming.
-Right?
-Mmhmm.
And what do a lot of American
Jews do on Christmas?
Chinese food and a movie,
we do it every year.
So do we.
Well, I thought that Gilberts
didnt serve other kinds
of food.
Isnt that what you thought
was so wrong about Zimmers?
Oh, no, no.
We're serving all the Hanukkah
classics, of course.
But we also have friends
in Chinatown cooking for us.
-Oh...
-Mmhmm.
Well, my main problem honestly
is social media.
We havent done anything
all these years
and now suddenly I have
the green light.
But even if I started posting
about it today,
how would it reach anyone?
You remember my friend, Ezra?
Uh, college friend, big mouth?
Oh yeah. Yeah, yeah.
He is actually a social
media manager
and, I dont know, I bet
he would love to help.
I still dont understand
why youre helping me.
Because its the right thing
to do.
And despite what you may think,
I actually do care about
your restaurant and your family.
And... you.
I care about you too.
I know.
-You do?
-Molly...
But Jake, I have
to tell you something.
Yeah, I do too.
No, please, let me just get
this off my chest, okay?
Theres someone else.
Um... it's a long story.
Well, we've actually
never really met.
Well, we were put together by
a matchmaker and, and... uh...
well, we've been writing letters
and I know it's weird, but...
That's not weird. Um...
Well, he's funny
and he's kind and...
Well, he says what he feels
and...
and he's inspired me to do
the same thing.
Okay. Well, um...
I am thoughtful and kind.
And my mom thinks
I'm hilarious.
Youre also a threat
to my familys future.
Is that really the only thing
standing between us?
No. Um...
I have feelings for him too.
And well, I promised
my grandmother
I would see this through.
Well... in that case,
you should go meet him.
And find out if...
if it's meant to be.
Just put everything
on the table.
Uh... Okay.
Yeah. I'll, um...
I guess I'll... I'll write
to him and...
see if he can meet me tomorrow.
I mean, I guarantee he will
think he hit the Jewish jackpot.
In the meantime, are you gonna
let me help you tonight or what?
-Really?
-Yeah!
Uh, yeah. Okay, that would be
great. Thank you.
-Bye Thomas.
-Bye.
[laughing]
[exhales]
[laughing]
You were right, Molly.
This is one fantastic evening.
People we havent seen in years
brought their entire families
when they saw those posts.
I guess they just needed
a reminder
that we were still here.
I suppose social media
isnt so bad after all.
Anyways Evie, lets grab a seat
and watch the movie.
Thank you for all your help
today, Jacob.
Yeah.
Such a nice boy.
Oh.
I take it you didnt tell
your family about me.
It... it just would've been
too much.
Besides, how would
I explain to them
that all of this is
because I took your advice?
You were right,
change is good.
Im not so sure
about that anymore.
I wonder if Zimmers
changed so much
that we forgot about
where we came from.
You and your family...
You helped me realize that.
I don't know if we're ready
to open here.
Not yet, at least.
But this is a business
decision, right?
This isn't because you think
you and I...
Why cant it be both?
I still have to meet David.
David is his name, right.
Personally I prefer Jacob, but..
-Just let me get it.
-Okay.
I hear it was quite the party
out there.
Actually, it was.
And we brought a little
something back for you.
Ah, you didn't have to do this.
You were both already so
generous with the holiday tips.
Youre welcome.
Okay, I'm... gonna go write
David right now.
Hopefully hes free.
Im sure hell do whatever
it takes to be there.
-Good night.
-[chuckles]
[elevator dings]
Okay, you tell me the second
she brings down that letter.
Youre really gonna show up
as David?
I am.
Its not fair to keep her
in the dark.
I cant wait another day
to tell her how I feel.
Thats very sweet.
She's gonna hate you for
not telling her sooner, but...
Very, very sweet.
Look at this!
Everyones posting about
how kitschy and authentic
Gilberts is.
Its working.
I have to go get ready.
For what?
Im meeting David today.
Oh?
I wrote him last night,
got his response this morning.
Uh-huh.
Were having lunch
in the village.
Did you ask the matchmaker
if it was okay to meet so soon?
No, we didn't ask her but
it's... it's just... it's time.
What? What's wrong?
We... we were talking about
this last night.
Talking about the matchmaker
and whether or not this time
she is wrong.
What do you mean?
We see how you are with Jacob.
I know.
Hes a great guy.
Dad...
You two seem so
perfect together.
Guys!
There's something you need
to know.
Um... Jacob's family...
owns Zimmer's Deli.
That cant be!
I cant believe I told him
my secret brining technique.
Molly, why didnt
you tell us sooner?
Ive been trying to talk him
out of opening so close to us
and the good news is I think
maybe hes listening.
Yeah, sure.
Listening how to make
our latkes.
He probably stole that too.
I dont think he wants to put us
out of business, Dad.
Hes a good man.
But so is David.
And at least with him there
arent any complications.
Maybe hes who Im meant to be
with after all.
Ah-ha!
So the matchmaker was right.
I dont know.
[all sighing]
[elevator dings]
Hey. Wow.
You look... you look beautiful.
Thanks.
Taking a risk with
the high heels though.
What if the guys, like,
five feet tall?
I dont care about that.
Its what inside that counts.
Really?
What if he shows up looking
like a bridge troll?
[laughs]
Well, I guess Ill find out
soon enough.
What if he, um...
looks just like me?
That wouldnt be the worst thing
in the world.
Okay. I should get going.
Your fate awaits.
Bye.
Im just gonna give her
a couple minutes head start
and then Ill go.
I know what youre thinking.
And Im gonna find a way
to make it work with her.
Okay? I told her were gonna
open the deli somewhere else,
and we will, but right now
I need to tell her the truth.
I literally didnt
say anything.
There he is!
Oh... Mom.
What are you...
what are you doing here?
We were coming to surprise you
after you signed the deal.
But then I spoke to the owner.
She said you werent even
negotiating anymore.
She wasnt even sure
you wanted the space.
We wanted to see for ourselves
whats going on.
I just... I just wanted to make
sure it was the right space.
It is.
Which is why were all gonna
make this deal happen today.
No! No, we cant do that,
Dad.
Jacob, what is going on
with you?
There is more to this
than you understand, okay?
No, its not okay.
This is what your
grandmother wants.
I know, I know.
And so Im gonna talk to her
and then once she,
uh, knows whats going on
shes gonna understand.
You dont have to call her,
Jacob.
Shes here in New York
resting at the hotel.
What? Okay, okay, okay.
Dad, please do not sign anything
until after I talk to her.
I will go see her directly
after this lunch meeting.
Meeting?
What kind of a meeting is
more important than this?
Mom... trust me it is.
I am meeting the building owner
in an hour, Jacob.
Whatever you have to say
to your bubbe
it has to be right now.
May I help you?
Uh, yes. Hi, um...
reservation for two.
I believe it's under David.
Ah... David called.
He says he's running a bit late.
I can show you to your table
while you wait.
Oh... thank you.
Thanks.
Can you believe this lobby?
I mean, wheres the Hanukkah?
And Im not just talking
about some courtesy menorah
behind the desk.
Yeah.
You know theres a place
a few blocks away
that does a menorah lighting
every night of Hanukkah.
Ill take you there
tomorrow night.
Oh, good.
[laughs]
Um... Actually...
that place is what I came here
to talk to you about.
You know...
This hotel used to be
tenement apartments?
My mother and her family
lived right down the street
for three months when
they came to America.
I thought you said Sarah
went straight
from Poland to California.
Something about sailing on a
freighter around South America.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
That was your mothers family.
My mother was
on the SS Rotterdam
when she was just
a little girl.
Why have we never talked
about this part before?
Because my mother
always used to say,
whats the point in gnashing
your teeth about the past?
So I stopped asking.
It wasnt until after she passed
that I found
her letters and journals and
learned what shed gone through.
I... I wish you would've
told me some of this
before I came out here.
It would've changed
a lot of things.
We didnt want to put
you through
so much pressure, sweetheart.
Hmm.
This is where my parents met
and fell in love.
They worked long hours in the
back room of a diner together.
They decided that someday
they would open a Jewish deli
right here on
the lower east side.
They married and moved west.
Nine years later, with my
mothers recipes from home
and my fathers business skills,
they opened Zimmers Deli.
Yeah, and its a huge success.
We have nothing left to prove.
Yeah, thats what
I used to think.
But in her journal my mother
said her dream
was to open a Zimmers back
where it all started.
I didnt realize
how important it was
to come full circle until now.
Why, whats changed?
Ive just been thinking a lot
about our legacy.
Im not getting any younger,
Jacob.
But theres still time to make
my mothers dream a reality.
Coming back here,
putting out a Zimmer's sign...
that would mean everything
to my parents.
To your parents.
Yeah, I understand.
Thank you, Jacob.
This means everything to me.
[Beth] David... Im not sure why
you didn't make it on time today
but I have to thank you because
now I finally know what I want.
I cant thank you enough
for opening up to me,
helping me understand myself
a little better,
and inspiring me to say
what needs to be said.
Someday youll find
your beshert.
But I think I already
found mine.
Its a little complicated
but I think we can make it work.
And to be honest, it might not,
but I have to try.
I wish you nothing but the best.
And if I had another good luck
penny to give you,
I would, Id give you
a million of them.
Oh, and by the way...
my real name is Molly.
If you're ever on the lower
east side,
stop by Gilbert's Deli
and let me buy my good friend
David a lunch.
Would you like something else
while youre waiting?
On, no thank you.
I'm... not waiting anymore.
Okay.
[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]
Hey... psst.
Hey! Has anyone
seen Jacob?
Ive been looking
for him everywhere
and he hasnt been answering
his texts.
Well, we havent.
But you look very nice.
Thanks.
Did you meet David?
I... decided not to meet David
after all.
Why not?
I guess I saw the light.
[laughs]
I see what you did there.
Nice.
Jacobs the one, bubbe.
Are you sure?
Even after all this
deli mishegaas?
Never been so sure
of anything.
And dont worry,
Ill pay you back for the whole
matchmaker thing.
Oh, who cares about that?
You found love.
Thats all Ive ever wanted
for you.
Its all that matters.
But if his stupid deli
puts us out of business,
hes dead to me.
Okay.
Well, he said he was going
to try and talk his family
out of opening it out here.
But even if he doesnt,
I dont think business
should come before love.
Do you?
Not if its the real deal.
I think it is.
What are you waiting for?
[laughs]
-Go!
-Okay.
Hey! Did Molly come
back here?
I havent seen her
but I did get a delivery.
[muttering]
She broke up with me.
She wants to be with me!
Wonder of wonder,
miracle of miracles.
Thomas, Fiddler on the Roof!
Big fan.
Me too! Yes!
Okay. Okay, I have to go
find her.
Go get her, tiger.
Yes!
-Jacob! Jacob.
-Hey!
There you are.
Ive been looking for you.
I know, I was looking
for you too.
Well, you havent been
answering your texts.
I know, I've... I've been
with my family.
Theyre here?
I have a lot to tell you.
Yeah, me too.
Look, I... I didn't meet
David today.
Uh, well actually he was late,
but it ended up being the best
thing that could've happened
'cause I... I wrote to him.
I told him it wasn't going
to work out.
Because he was late?
No, because all I could think
about was you.
Whats wrong?
We signed the deal today,
Molly.
Were opening Zimmers East
in the spring.
I thought... you said you were
gonna talk them out of it.
I was.
Until I found out why it was
so important to my grandmother.
It turns out that being here
has as much history for
my family as it does yours.
You said they never
even lived here.
I was wrong.
My great grandparents met here.
Their dreams started here
on the lower east side
just like your familys.
Molly, I swear I did not know
about any of this until today.
I'm so sorry, I...
I know this is not what
you wanted to hear.
But I promise...
I will not let anything happen
to Gilbert's.
You cant make that promise.
Jake, if I knew your family
had a past here
I never wouldve asked you
to walk away.
You have your own history
to honor.
Nobody understands that
more than I do.
Yeah, but then we cant
be together.
Thats what you said.
I know what I said, but...
if this is really meant to be,
then...
Don't you think we should try
to find a way to make this work?
Youre amazing.
You know that?
But there is one more thing
I need to tell you.
[sighs]
[laughs]
I... I was gonna tell you
at lunch.
And then my parents showed up
to sign the deal
and I had to go with them
to try to stop them.
And then I talked
to my grandmother
and then everything changed.
And... I'm so...
I'm so sorry, Molly,
that I was not there on time.
But I... I am here now
and I'm hoping that now that
you... you know.
How long?
Sorry?
How long have you known
that I was... Beth?
Uh...
Three days.
What?
I wanted to wait until I knew
that we werent opening here
and then I could tell you
and then nothing else would be
standing in our way.
I just told you that even if
you opened here
we would figure it out.
You... you...you told me
that tonight!
But then the rest of the time
you said that if we opened up
a Zimmers here,
that being together
would be impossible.
So I was trying to do
the right thing
and then it turned out
all wrong.
This isnt about
the deli anymore.
This is about trust.
Thats gone.
[elevator dings]
Molly...
Bubbe? Um... I need
to tell you something.
Its locked.
I guess Ill wait.
Join the club.
Are you a client?
Do I look like one?
My grandson is.
Oh. My granddaughter too.
Im here for a refund actually.
The entire process has been
wholly unprofessional.
I agree.
My granddaughter was set up
with some dishonest guy
who lied about who he was...
twice.
Well, my grandson was matched
with a selfish woman
who tried to talk him out of
opening up his business at all.
Who does such a thing?
Oh, please.
How can you make
decent latkes
when youre too busy making
everything else under the sun.
I assure you, our latke recipe
knows no equal.
Ill bet if we put our latkes
side by side,
people would say ours
were by far the best.
Ill take that bet.
Tonight.
After the eighth candle.
Winner gets uncontested
bragging rights.
Best latkes in New York City.
For how long?
Forever.
Youre on.
If you see her, tell
Mrs. Mizansky I was here.
So unprofessional.
Theyre here.
Uh, for the record, I...
I did try to talk my grandmother
out of this.
I did too.
Clearly neither
of them listened.
Well... may the best
latke win.
It will.
Hmm.
You have to know Jacob cares
about Molly so deeply.
He... he was just trying
to navigate
an impossible situation.
Same. Molly cares
about him too, but...
she is stubborn like
her grandmother.
I don't think she's gonna
get past this any time soon.
Honestly, I dont blame her.
And I gave him an earful already
about the whole thing.
I just want the kids
to be happy.
So do I.
-Ed!
-What?
Come here.
-Gabe!
-What?
You must be Ed Levy.
Gabe Speigelman.
Nice to meet you.
Ive heard great things
about your food.
Oh, thanks. And mazel tov on
all your success in California.
Thanks.
I just want you to know,
whatever happens,
no hard feelings.
I wish for nothing but success
for the both of us.
I appreciate that.
Our concepts are so different.
Hey, words already getting
out there about tonight.
Its great publicity
for us both.
Yeah. I just hope they realize
it's, uh... not a legally
binding deal.
You wanna tell them that?
Nope.
[laughing]
I am so sorry.
I have never seen Ruth
like this.
Same with Esther.
Have you seen online?
Theyre calling it the battle
of the bubbies.
-What?
-You didnt see? Look.
[gasps]
Okay.
We need someone that neither
family knows
to put the latkes out.
That way we wont know
whos are whose.
[clears throat]
Anybody know her?
Welcome to Gilberts.
Let the judging commence!
Applesauce or sour cream?
[both] Both.
Mmm. This is the one.
I think we have a problem.
The kids are right.
Theyre exactly the same.
I knew you spied on us.
How dare you accuse my grandson
of doing such a thing.
A shonda.
Oh, like he hasnt
lied before.
My purse, please.
We used this exact recipe that
my mother brought from Russia.
I have had it with me every day
since my mother passed.
Look for yourself.
This... this can't be.
Get the journal.
-Whats going on?
-I have no idea.
Thanks.
You see?
Here is my mothers recipe she
brought with her from Poland.
-Its the exact same thing.
-Yes.
What year did your mother come?
Do you know what ship?
[both] The Rotterdam.
We have a picture of
the Rotterdam right here
so we never forget
where we came from.
You know...
my mother wrote about meeting
a girl her age on the ship.
And she said they wouldn't have
survived without each other
and they... they were
like sisters.
And they decided that they were
gonna share everything.
All of their hopes and dreams
and fears...
and the family recipes.
And that girl's name was...
Sura.
Yes. How did you
know that?
That was my mothers name.
She changed it to Sarah
when they got to Ellis Island.
Wait...
"Sura eventually moved to
California and we lost touch.
"I wish I knew how to find her,
but every time I make latkes,
"I think of her...
"and pray to God
that she's happy."
Think about all the miracles
that had to happen
for us to get here.
At Hanukkah, no less.
It couldnt be more clear.
You two were meant to find
each other.
[Esther] We all were!
[speaking in Yiddish]
[chattering]
[both] Can we talk?
Um, I'm so sorry.
Excuse me.
I still cant even wrap
my mind around this.
I know.
The whole thing is incredible.
And Im still mad at you.
Even after everything
that just happened?
Well, that doesnt change
what you did.
Molly, you have to know
how sorry I am
that I havent told you about
everything and I wasnt upfront.
Okay? But its kind of like
when you didnt tell your family
who I was right away.
What?
You know, youre trying to keep
everybody happy, so was I.
No. You know what?
Youre right.
And I was late for lunch
because I was trying
one last time to get my family
to open somewhere else.
So that we could have
a chance.
I never shouldve asked you
to do that.
That wasnt fair of me.
When I read your last letter...
it broke my heart.
And then I realized that we feel
the same way about each other.
And we still had a shot.
So, I'm just asking for...
for... one last chance.
For me to be everything
that you fell for with David.
Yeah, except I fell for Jacob
even more.
It doesnt matter if were
Beth and David
or Molly and Jacob.
Were soulmates.
Were beshert.
[cheers and applause]
Look, our families
do blend together so
perfectly, don't they?
Oh...
Aww.
Its too bad we cant just open
a new deli, right?
A little of the old.
A little of the new.
And the best latkes
in New York.
Oh, they'd never go for it.
Actually, we were just talking
about the same thing.
Rebecca and Sarahs Deli.
Or... Sarah and Rebecca's Deli.
[laughter]
Well flip a coin.
Anyone have one?
-Oh...
-Actually...
Maybe later.
Come here.
One, two, three,
four, five...
Happy Hanukkah.
Six, seven, eight...
nights celebrate...
our light...
Happy Hanukkah.
Light, light, light,
light, light...
I still got it.
Candles burning bright...
Golden and blue...
shining through
the darkest night...