As Jews look inward in preparation for the upcoming High Holy Days, many also take stock of the state of the world around them, particularly Israel. With their emphasis on looking back, the High Holy Days offer a chance to reflect on the past year in the Jewish state. By any stretch of the imagination, it has been a difficult one.

Recent suicide bombings, a stalled and flailing peace process, continued infighting between the country's secular and religious citizens — all have left many Jews dispirited, grasping for answers and worried about Israel's future.

As a result, this year, when Bay Area Jews hear the annual High Holy Day pitch for Israel Bonds, some might question whether to invest in the Jewish state.

We understand such hesitations but we also believe investing in Israel Bonds goes beyond disagreements with the country's politics. Purchasing those bonds means investing in the country's infrastructure, in its hordes of immigrants, in its future.

It means investing in the things about Israel we love and appreciate.

Investing in Israel Bonds is an investment that pays back, both in interest and in the satisfaction of knowing that the investor has contributed to the well-being of the Jewish state. Even those Jews who question the country's policies seek a secure and vibrant country.

This year, Israel's 50th anniversary year offers an additional reason for investing. Reflecting on how far the country has come in its short lifetime ultimately gives us great hope for where it will go. Fifty years is a milestone to be celebrated with great fervor.

Israel Bonds' High Holy Day drive is the organization's biggest organized effort. As readers look inward, we also encourage them to look outward — to Israel and ways to support it.