In Judaism, there is a term for this "Connective Tissue." It is called the "Neshama," or living soul. Although, only human being are imbued with a neshama, all lesser beings, even inanimate objects are endowed with a spiritual force. This is sometime referred to as a "Ruach Chaim," or "Spirit of Life."

There is a story about a famous rabbinic master who was taking a walk with a disciple when the latter mindlessly plucked a leaf from a bush they were passing. The master turned to his student and asked, "Why did you do that?"

Whereupon the student responded, "What did I do wrong? Is there any crime in plucking a lowly leaf from this bush?"

The rabbi then offered a simple, yet profound rebuke to his charge, "That leaf existed because it has a celestial counterpart in Shamayim (Heaven) telling it to grow. When you severed it from its life source, without any reason, you denied it the ability to continue its path in the divine orchestra of life, which constantly praises the Creator."

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