The story "Dayan" is a poignant tale set in a desert village where an elderly woman named Dayan prepares her daughter Malka and grandchildren for an unknown journey, guiding them to safety as they leave in the night.

Food columnist Leah Koenig reflects on making food resolutions for the new year, focusing on being more adventurous in the kitchen, baking bread, donating to food-related charities, stepping out of her comfort zone at gatherings, learning about the U.S. Farm Bill, balancing her sweet tooth with exercise, and cooking more adventurously by exploring new ingredients and recipes.