Retold by Ori Elon.

Translated by Gilah Kahn-Hoffman.

Illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt.

In this retelling from a midrash (a story providing commentary on Hebrew scriptures), Roman Emperor Hadrian questions why a nearly 100-year-old man is planting a fig tree.

“Surely you won’t live long enough to eat its fruit?!” he cries.

The far-seeing old man, however, points out that he is only doing his part, as earlier generations planted trees for him to enjoy.

The story comes full circle when the Emperor returns a few years later and savors the sweet figs. Hadrian and the old man appear to be white, but there are children of color in the village.

Credit: Heidi Rabinowitz (guest blogger).

Check out Heidi’s blog about Tu B’Shevat.