Without the circulation of the life-giving blood through it, a body is just a collection of lifeless parts.

Our heart makes it possible for the blood to constantly renew the life of the body, pushing the blood through the lungs to oxygenate it, and then throughout the body to vitalize it.

The "body" of creation can be described with two appellations: time and space.

The Creator transcends time and space-–but is constantly bringing them into being.

Our mission is to live in a way that draws down and reveals the vitalizing presence of the Almighty in time and space.

To do this we need a "heart". There is a "heart" of time –the High Holidays. It is the special strength of this time of year that our prayer, repentance and mitzvot "pump" G‑d's blessing and sustaining life-force for the entire coming year.

There is also a "heart" to space –the Land of Israel. All of the life G‑d gives the world flows through and out of the Land of Israel, the physical place closest to the spiritual realms that are the source of the life-force of existence.

When our brothers and sisters in Israel are free of conflict and trouble they can focus their energy on their good deeds which sustain and circulate the presence of G‑d’s creative power throughout all the cosmos.

There is a "heart" of time and a "heart" of space

In light of the tragedies that have buffeted Israel in the last few months, it is therefore even more appropriate than ever that we assign special focus in our prayer and the extra charity we give during the High Holidays—the "heart" of time—to the Land of Israel and all who dwell therein—the "heart" of space.

May G‑d’s blessings fill all our moments of the coming year, and all the earth, with holiness, goodness and peace.