All language subtitles for Hanukkah.on.Rye.2022.1080p.WEB.h264-KOGi

[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?

She’s 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 I’ll be drinking that
giant egg cream in the sky.

Oh, Ruth...

Mom, please.
You’re immortal.

We all know this.

[laughs]

I’d be exhausted.

Okay. One more time.

Now... stir with less force,
more of a swirl.

Okay. You know Gilbert’s
are famous for our latkes,

not our egg creams.

What, it can’t be both?

Are you sure you don’t 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.

It’s gonna be way too hectic
back there, Moll.

We’re making more latkes
than ever this year.

I just hope it’s enough.

What do you mean?

It’s nothing.
You know Hanukkah week,

we either break even
or we make a profit,

and this year we’re a little
further from even

than we’d like.

I’m not worried.

You can make double
the amount from last year.

You’re 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.

-It’s beautiful.
-I know.

Are you sure you can’t 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 don’t want me
to come with you to New York?

Do you think that you need to?

It’s 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 it’s 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.

He’s 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 Zimmer’s

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
there’s 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 couldn’t find the food
that reminded her of home.

They opened Zimmer’s 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.

That’s incredible.

Mmhmm.

Or... you just texted Mom
and told her to say that.

My son’s... so smart.
He’s so smart, smart.

He’s 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 you’re
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 Zimmer’s Deli legacy?

You know, as much as I’d love
to take this whole guilt trip

with me to New York,

I’m pretty sure it’s 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 don’t 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]

I’m actually
a really nice guy.

We’ll 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
everybody’s 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 wouldn’t
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.

It’s 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.

I’m guessing that you’ve 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. I’m Molly,
by the way.

Jacob. Jake.

Hi. Here, I’ll give you
my number.

Oh!

What?

I’m flattered.

I’m not hitting on you!
I’m just being a good neighbor.

Oh.

Besides, you’re 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 you’re planning on staying
in New York for a while.

Bye!
Hey Thomas.

[laughing]

[elevator ding]

[Jewish music]

There’s 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, it’s more fun to dig it out
with a walnut pick.

So satisfying.

Oh yeah.
We’ll 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.

I’m not laughing.

No. I just wanna get
a good night’s sleep

before the big
latke rush tomorrow.

Here, bring these
leftovers home

in case you’re hungry later.

Mom, I’m 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.

I’ve 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.

Don’t worry about that.

What’s more important
is what comes after that.

You’re the last of
our family line.

Here we go.

Here we go.

What? I’m not trying to pressure
you into marriage, Molly.

That is literally
what you’re doing.

Okay. So what’s a little
pressure anyway?

Come on, I’ve 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?

I’d ask if you were drinking
a little too much Manischewitz.

[laughs]

I’m here to expand
our business, okay?

That is all I’m here
to focus on.

What good is the business if
there’s 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]

What’s this?

For you.

[Esther] I left a little early
Hanukkah present in your bag.

It’s the cream envelope.

What? I cannot believe...

You sneaky, sneaky Bubbe.

[Molly] Find your bashert-

-[Jake & Molly] Guaranteed?

Beshert? Wait,
that’s 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?

That’s impossible.

She doesn’t do anything
with the internet.

No apps, no instabook.

Not even gonna try
to correct you there.

She does everything
the old-fashioned way.

It’s 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.

It’s 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 Gilbert’s
under my belt?

Too late.

She’s already found a match!

[both] What?!

[humming]

*

Thanks, guys.
Only three more loads to go.

How’s 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 don’t 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.

What’s wrong with Beth?

Beth was the name
of the girl

who stole my boyfriend
in eighth grade.

I hate Beth.

[laughs]

It’s only temporary,

just while you’re 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.

What’s left?
Writing letters?

Actually yes.

That’s 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?

She’s provided a very nice
pen and paper.

I think it’s 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 you’re writing.

That’s the whole point.

It’s Hanukkah, Bubbe.

I don’t have time
for deep thoughts,

just latkes, dreidels
and menorahs.

Well, lucky for you
the man writes first.

And maybe he won’t even write
until after Hanukkah.

Of course that would make him
a procrastinator

which isn’t a quality you want
in a life partner.

What if he gets "there",
"they’re" 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.

I’m 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.

It’s not what the letter
looks like that’s important,

it’s what it says.

I don’t even know where
to start.

I have faith in you.
Bye-bye bubbala!

Okay.

Right. Dear Beth.
Shalom...

Shalom? What?

That’s 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! Don’t forget the applesauce
is here, Frank.

Oh, I won’t.

Can’t get enough
of these latkes.

Hey!

Oh, hey neighbor.

Yeah. What's...what's going on
with the line?

Gilbert’s latkes.
Best in the world.

-Really?
-Mmhmm.

That's... according to who?

Uh... everyone.

Hanukkah’s not Hanukkah
without Gilbert’s 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.

Kitchen’s off-limits while
they’re making the latkes.

Bubbe wants to make sure
no one outside the family

sees our secret recipe.

Then I’ll 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.

Don’t 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. I’ll 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.

We’re 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, that’s, um, Yiddish
for long underwear.

And that’s why there’s only
two songs.

Probably.

[notification alert]

-Oh, sorry.
-Oh...

It’s 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?

I’m in sales.

Hmm.

Sorry to miss the singalong.

Lucky for you, you’ve 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 it’s
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 don’t 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.

I’m pretty sure that’s 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]

I’m already at 114 Allen Street.

Okay.

[mischievous music]

This should be interesting.

Huh.

*

[chuckles]

*

Thanks for your honesty.
And I’m not upset, I’m 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 we’re about
to ruin her perfect record.

It’s kind of refreshing
to be this honest.

I’ve 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.

That’s supposed to be
a wink emoji.

How did people do this
before keyboards?

Now, picture a laughing emoji
and a shrug and I’m 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 you’re 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.
We’re all dying to know.

Not me, I don’t care.

Reverse psychology
is not gonna work, Dad.

Just spill it, kid.
For your bubbe’s 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.

That’s it? That’s all you’re
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 don’t 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.
It’s Hanukkah.

We have to do something
tonight, right?

Ehh...

Alright. Do me a favor,
keep it simple.

You got it, simple.

I don’t want us turning into
something that we’re not.

Not something we’re not.

What did you say
was here before?

A Jewish deli.
Same as you.

You know, they just don’t 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.

It’s wonderful.

-Oh, Mom, Dad, this is Jake.
-Hi.

He’s renting 2A for
a couple months.

It’s 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.

That’s 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.

Don’t 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 don’t 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, it’s catchy but you can’t
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... *

That’s it.

-Oh.
-Oh.

Oh, sorry.

[applause]

I’ve 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. I’m 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
I’ve ever had.

That’s 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 you’ve 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 I’m charming?

Don’t 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 you’re not the competition
like your friend said?

Not... yet.

What is that supposed to mean?

My family wants to open a
Zimmer’s on the lower east side.

Well, just so you know,

your concept isn't going
to work here.

Why not?

Well, Gilbert’s 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.

I’ve seen your menu, Jake.

Real Jewish delis don’t serve
fajitas and Fettuccine Alfredo.

Hey, you know,
there's nothing wrong

with giving everyone
a little taste of home.

And that’s why our menu
keeps changing.

Okay? We’re 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 you’re
even Jewish?

What do you wanna see,
a DNA test?

No. Thank you.

As a matter of fact,

I’m 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
I’m 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.

There’s no way their latkes
are as good as ours.

Who’s 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]

I’ve had them in a pinch,
they’re not half bad.

You hear that Stan?

That’s 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 shouldn’t do this.

It just seems like
we’re trying too hard.

Maybe we haven’t been trying
hard enough.

What was that?

Nothing.

Dad, I’ve already handed out
all the flyers

and bought all the supplies.

Come on, we can’t
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, aren’t you glad
we did this?

Ah, I guess it doesn’t 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 you’re here,
right?

To see how we do it?
See for yourself.

Can’t 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 that’s 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 that’s
what soulmates means.

You fall for someone’s soul
first and the rest comes later.

[Beth] What you said isn’t
cheesy at all.

I like talking to someone
who doesn’t 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.

It’s a family business.
Did I tell you that?

Anyway, like
Ben Franklin said,

"When you're finished changing,
you're finished."

And maybe I’m even changing
my mind

about this whole matchmaker
thing too.

You’re not going
to believe this

but I just found this
right in front of me.

So, maybe it’s a sign.

And since it’s Hanukkah
I’m sending it to you.

So now you have two
good luck pennies.

Don’t blow it.
Use them well.

[elevator dings]

Oh, hi. Sorry.

Hi Thomas.

A messenger from Mizansky’s

will be here soon
to pick this up.

-[Thomas] Mizansky’s.
-[Molly] Mmhmm.

-Got it.
-Bye.

Bye.

Morning Thomas.
Any, uh, deliveries for me?

There you go.

Beth is Molly Speigelman.

I’m 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.

You’re one lucky guy.

*

[car horn beeps]

Oh, minivan’s here!
Let’s start loading these up.

Hey. We need to talk.

[Molly] I’m 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 don’t 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.

You’re 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?

He’s just being neighborly.
Let him help.

[Gabe] Try it.

Ehh?

Mmm.

[Gabe chuckles]

-No, no, there’s 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 way’s 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, it’s good.

It’s great.

It’s great.

You keep it.

Do I have some on my...?

[chuckles]

This building was one of
the first tenements

on the lower east side.

It’s beautiful.

Not at the turn of
the century it wasn’t.

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 they’d 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.

Gilbert’s 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
it’s 100 years.

Look, all I'm saying is...

opening a Jewish deli here,

you have to understand
what that really means.

I’m starting to.

And with your menu,
the more modern style...

why don't you go
somewhere trendier?

My family insists
on opening here.

It’s what my grandmother wants.

Does she have a history here?

I think they went straight
through to California,

but actually I’m 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 don’t know, maybe the reason
that all those other delis

didn’t 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 don’t know.

Doesn’t 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, you’ll open somewhere else?

I don’t 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]

Tonight’s turnout is even worse
than last night.

We should’ve planned something.

Well, people are busy, Molly.
They can’t always come.

Exactly!

They need a reason to come...
and we need to give them one.

Before it’s too late.

Molly...

Molly...

Is there something
you’re not telling us?

Zimmer’s!

Zimmer’s Deli from Los Angeles?

How do you know this?

It doesn’t matter how I know,
they’re 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.

It’s too much.

They’re nothing like us.

We’ve got nothing
to worry about.

They’ve got deep pockets,
Ruth.

I’m sure the rent increases
won’t even phase them.

Wait, what rent increases?
You told me we were fine.

We didn’t wanna ruin
your Hanukkah.

Everybody on the block’s
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 Zimmer’s even opens
their doors.

I’ll tell you all about it
after I make a couple calls.

[David] I know we’re not
supposed to talk about work

but today was rough.

I have to make some pretty
hard decisions

and no matter what I do
someone’s 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 don’t think I can bear it
if I’m the cause of their pain.

[Beth] I think if you care
about someone enough,

which you obviously do,
there’s always a solution.

Maybe you should just put
everything on the table

and trust that it’ll work out
the way it’s meant to.

With that being said, I had
the chance to do that

with my family last night

and left out something
pretty important.

Don’t make the same mistake
as me, okay?

Maybe I’ll take a little of
my own advice

and tell you whatever happens
in your real life,

you’ll always have a friend
who cares about you.

And she’s just a letter away.

Did Molly leave the building?

A few hours ago.

I’m 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?

Wouldn’t you like to know.

Well, actually I would.

You’ll probably just steal
the idea for next year.

I’m not a bad person.

I gotta get back to the deli.
Lots to do before tonight.

You realize that I’m 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 Gilbert’s

didn’t serve other kinds
of food.

Isn’t that what you thought
was so wrong about Zimmer’s?

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 haven’t 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 don’t know, I bet
he would love to help.

I still don’t understand
why you’re helping me.

Because it’s 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?

There’s 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.

You’re also a threat
to my family’s 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 haven’t 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
isn’t so bad after all.

Anyways Evie, let’s 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 didn’t 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.

I’m not so sure
about that anymore.

I wonder if Zimmer’s
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 can’t 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.

You’re welcome.

Okay, I'm... gonna go write
David right now.

Hopefully he’s free.

I’m sure he’ll do whatever
it takes to be there.

-Good night.
-[chuckles]

[elevator dings]

Okay, you tell me the second
she brings down that letter.

You’re really gonna show up
as David?

I am.

It’s not fair to keep her
in the dark.

I can’t wait another day
to tell her how I feel.

That’s very sweet.

She's gonna hate you for
not telling her sooner, but...

Very, very sweet.

Look at this!

Everyone’s posting about

how kitschy and authentic
Gilbert’s is.

It’s working.
I have to go get ready.

For what?

I’m meeting David today.

Oh?

I wrote him last night,
got his response this morning.

Uh-huh.

We’re 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.

He’s 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 can’t be!

I can’t believe I told him
my secret brining technique.

Molly, why didn’t
you tell us sooner?

I’ve been trying to talk him
out of opening so close to us

and the good news is I think
maybe he’s listening.

Yeah, sure.

Listening how to make
our latkes.

He probably stole that too.

I don’t think he wants to put us
out of business, Dad.

He’s a good man.

But so is David.

And at least with him there
aren’t any complications.

Maybe he’s who I’m meant to be
with after all.

Ah-ha!
So the matchmaker was right.

I don’t know.

[all sighing]

[elevator dings]

Hey. Wow.
You look... you look beautiful.

Thanks.

Taking a risk with
the high heels though.

What if the guy’s, like,
five feet tall?

I don’t care about that.
It’s what inside that counts.

Really?

What if he shows up looking
like a bridge troll?

[laughs]

Well, I guess I’ll find out
soon enough.

What if he, um...
looks just like me?

That wouldn’t be the worst thing
in the world.

Okay. I should get going.

Your fate awaits.

Bye.

I’m just gonna give her
a couple minutes head start

and then I’ll go.

I know what you’re thinking.

And I’m gonna find a way
to make it work with her.

Okay? I told her we’re gonna
open the deli somewhere else,

and we will, but right now
I need to tell her the truth.

I literally didn’t
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 weren’t even
negotiating anymore.

She wasn’t even sure
you wanted the space.

We wanted to see for ourselves
what’s going on.

I just... I just wanted to make
sure it was the right space.

It is.

Which is why we’re all gonna
make this deal happen today.

No! No, we can’t do that,
Dad.

Jacob, what is going on
with you?

There is more to this
than you understand, okay?

No, it’s not okay.

This is what your
grandmother wants.

I know, I know.

And so I’m gonna talk to her
and then once she,

uh, knows what’s going on
she’s gonna understand.

You don’t have to call her,
Jacob.

She’s 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, where’s the Hanukkah?

And I’m not just talking
about some courtesy menorah

behind the desk.

Yeah.

You know there’s a place
a few blocks away

that does a menorah lighting
every night of Hanukkah.

I’ll 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 mother’s 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,

what’s the point in gnashing
your teeth about the past?

So I stopped asking.

It wasn’t until after she passed
that I found

her letters and journals and
learned what she’d 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 didn’t 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
mother’s recipes from home

and my father’s business skills,
they opened Zimmer’s Deli.

Yeah, and it’s a huge success.

We have nothing left to prove.

Yeah, that’s what
I used to think.

But in her journal my mother
said her dream

was to open a Zimmer’s back
where it all started.

I didn’t realize
how important it was

to come full circle until now.

Why, what’s changed?

I’ve just been thinking a lot
about our legacy.

I’m not getting any younger,
Jacob.

But there’s still time to make
my mother’s 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... I’m 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 can’t 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 you’ll find
your beshert.

But I think I already
found mine.

It’s 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, I’d 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 you’re waiting?

On, no thank you.

I'm... not waiting anymore.

Okay.

[Hanukkah blessing in Yiddish]

Hey... psst.

Hey! Has anyone
seen Jacob?

I’ve been looking
for him everywhere

and he hasn’t been answering
his texts.

Well, we haven’t.
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.

Jacob’s the one, bubbe.

Are you sure?

Even after all this
deli mishegaas?

Never been so sure
of anything.

And don’t worry,

I’ll pay you back for the whole
matchmaker thing.

Oh, who cares about that?
You found love.

That’s all I’ve ever wanted
for you.

It’s all that matters.

But if his stupid deli
puts us out of business,

he’s 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 doesn’t,

I don’t think business
should come before love.

Do you?

Not if it’s the real deal.

I think it is.

What are you waiting for?

[laughs]

-Go!
-Okay.

Hey! Did Molly come
back here?

I haven’t 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.
I’ve been looking for you.

I know, I was looking
for you too.

Well, you haven’t been
answering your texts.

I know, I've... I've been
with my family.

They’re 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.

What’s wrong?

We signed the deal today,
Molly.

We’re opening Zimmer’s 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 family’s.

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 can’t make that promise.

Jake, if I knew your family
had a past here

I never would’ve asked you
to walk away.

You have your own history
to honor.

Nobody understands that
more than I do.

Yeah, but then we can’t
be together.

That’s 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?

You’re 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 weren’t 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 Zimmer’s here,

that being together
would be impossible.

So I was trying to do
the right thing

and then it turned out
all wrong.

This isn’t about
the deli anymore.

This is about trust.

That’s gone.

[elevator dings]

Molly...

Bubbe? Um... I need
to tell you something.

It’s locked.

I guess I’ll wait.

Join the club.

Are you a client?

Do I look like one?

My grandson is.

Oh. My granddaughter too.

I’m 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 you’re too busy making
everything else under the sun.

I assure you, our latke recipe
knows no equal.

I’ll bet if we put our latkes
side by side,

people would say ours
were by far the best.

I’ll take that bet.

Tonight.
After the eighth candle.

Winner gets uncontested
bragging rights.

Best latkes in New York City.

For how long?

Forever.

You’re on.

If you see her, tell
Mrs. Mizansky I was here.

So unprofessional.

*

They’re 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 don’t 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.

I’ve 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, word’s already getting
out there about tonight.

It’s 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?

They’re calling it the battle
of the bubbies.

-What?
-You didn’t see? Look.

[gasps]

Okay.

We need someone that neither
family knows

to put the latkes out.

That way we won’t know
who’s are whose.

[clears throat]

Anybody know her?

Welcome to Gilbert’s.

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.

They’re 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 hasn’t
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.

-What’s going on?
-I have no idea.

Thanks.

You see?

Here is my mother’s recipe she
brought with her from Poland.

-It’s the exact same thing.
-Yes.

What year did your mother come?

1914.

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 mother’s 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 couldn’t 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 can’t even wrap
my mind around this.

I know.
The whole thing is incredible.

And I’m still mad at you.

Even after everything
that just happened?

Well, that doesn’t change
what you did.

Molly, you have to know
how sorry I am

that I haven’t told you about
everything and I wasn’t upfront.

Okay? But it’s kind of like
when you didn’t tell your family

who I was right away.

What?

You know, you’re trying to keep
everybody happy, so was I.

No. You know what?

You’re 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 should’ve asked you
to do that.

That wasn’t 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 doesn’t matter if we’re
Beth and David

or Molly and Jacob.

We’re soulmates.

We’re beshert.

[cheers and applause]

Look, our families
do blend together so
perfectly, don't they?

Oh...

Aww.

It’s too bad we can’t 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 Sarah’s Deli.

Or... Sarah and Rebecca's Deli.

[laughter]

We’ll 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... *

*

*

*