Watch Love, Lights, Hanukkah!

In the age of Christmas movies, it's refreshing to see more films that depict Hanukkah, a Jewish celebration of lights, miracles, and the power of faith. Love, Lights, Hanukkah! is a heartwarming, family-friendly movie released in 2020 that explores the themes of identity, belonging, and love through the lens of a multicultural family during the holiday season.

The film stars Mia Kirshner as Christina, a successful, single woman who runs her own restaurant in Boston. Christina is a bit of a workaholic and doesn't have much time for romance, but she's waiting for the right person to come along. Meanwhile, Christina finds joy in her family, especially her loving and supportive mother, Rose, played by Marilu Henner, who raised her on her own after Christina's father left when she was young.

One day, Christina receives an unexpected letter from a law firm in New Mexico, which informs her that she was adopted as a child and that her birth mother passed away recently, leaving her a house and a menorah, a traditional Jewish candelabrum. Christina is intrigued by this newfound information about her heritage and decides to visit the small town of Silver Heights, where her birth mother lived.

In Silver Heights, Christina meets Moshe, a kind and charming local guy played by Ben Savage, who helps her explore the town's sights and learn more about her roots. Moshe is also Jewish and celebrates Hanukkah, which Christina never did before since Rose raised her as a Christian. Christina's curiosity and openness to Moshe's culture and traditions spark a newfound interest in Hanukkah, and she becomes eager to light the menorah that belonged to her birth mother.

As Christina gets to know Moshe and Silver Heights' Jewish community, she realizes that she has a lot in common with them and that they welcome her with open arms. However, Christina's journey to self-discovery also brings some challenges, such as reconciling her biological and adoptive identities, confronting unresolved feelings about her father's abandonment, and deciding what she wants for her future.

Through a series of delightful and heartfelt scenes, Love, Lights, Hanukkah! showcases the beauty of Hanukkah's rituals, such as lighting the menorah's candles, eating latkes, playing dreidel, and singing songs. The film also emphasizes the importance of family, friendship, and traditions in a multicultural society that often overlooks the diversity and richness of its members' backgrounds.

Mia Kirshner delivers a nuanced and engaging performance as Christina, a complex and relatable character who struggles with her past and her present while discovering her purpose and her place in the world. Kirshner's chemistry with Ben Savage is palpable, and their romance is sweet and natural, as they navigate the joys and challenges of a long-distance relationship.

Marilu Henner shines as Rose, a loving and strong-willed mother who supports her daughter's quest for self-discovery and provides a source of stability and warmth in her life. Henner's portrayal of Rose captures the essence of a mother-daughter bond that transcends biological ties and endures through time.

Overall, Love, Lights, Hanukkah! is a touching and uplifting movie that celebrates the spirit of Hanukkah and the power of love to overcome obstacles and unite people of different backgrounds. The film's message is one of hope, resilience, and inclusivity, reminding us that we are all part of a global family that shares the same human experience and that we can all learn from and celebrate each other's cultures and traditions.

Love, Lights, Hanukkah! is a 2020 tv movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.