Dear Parents,
Mr. Zuta did not take care of the apple tree growing in his garden, and, in the absence of such efforts on his part, the tree wilted, and its fruit turned sour. The decision to plant flower and vegetable patches around the tree, and the associated perseverance and dedication required, bore surprising fruit, delighting both Mr. Zuta and his friends.
"To work at it and safeguard it" (Genesis 2:15)
Jewish tradition attributes great importance to agriculture and land, the work associated with it, and the safeguarding of it. The first to have been charged with this important task was Adam. Back in the Garden of Eden, he was instructed "to work at it and safeguard it" – charging him with the responsibility to take care of the world around him, and cultivate it.
Mr. Zuta and his friends, the dwarves, work their land, and cultivate it joyfully. All of us, at all ages, can also take care of the world we have been given, and look after our surroundings.
Enjoy reading and discussing this book!
A recipe for apple crumble
Ingredients
For the crumbs:
100g of sugar
80g of butter, cubed
100g of flour
For the apples:
5–6 apples
20g of butter
3 tablespoons of sugar (you could add a tablespoon of cinnamon or lemon juice, depending on your preference).
Method:
- Mix the sugar, butter, and flour together until you get medium-sized crumbs. Store in fridge for one hour.
- Peel the apples, and cut them into wedges.
- Melt the butter in a frying pan, and cook the apples in it for 10–15 minutes while stirring, until the apples are soft, but retain their shape.
- Place the apples in a baking pan, sprinkle the crumbs on top, and bake in medium–high heat for approximately 20 minutes, until golden.
- Serve hot or at room temperature. Bon Appetit!