Happy International Day of Peace!  It's fitting that I am writing about anonymous giving in this blog post, as we recognize peace today.  The power that giving can have on global systems is huge.  I believe that the effects of integrating community investing in overall social constructs plays a big part in how groups within society interact and manage their relationships. 

I spent the past few days in Synagogue celebrating the Jewish New Year - 5770.  Yesterday, the Rabbi gave a sermon about a Jewish secret society, similar to that of Knights Templar, whose role within the greater community is to "repair the world" or in Hebrew, "Tikkun Olam."

This group numbers 36.  A significant number in Gematria (biblical mathematics) as it is double the numeric value of chai or life.  Another key characteristic is that they are anonymous.  They don't know who each other is, and they might not even know that they are part of this group, and it isn't until death that they will realize their impact on the world.  Jewish mystics believe, that if the number of individuals falls below 36, global society itself will fall into chaos.

What I found striking about this sermon is that it only takes 36 anonymous people doing good deeds to impact the very fabric of our universe.  If you believe that this group exists, then it is these 36 individuals that are feeding into the cosmic karma of good and evil.  Think about who you know, perhaps even you are one of those 36...  Perhaps it isn't the same 36 at any given moment, perhaps there are multiple groups of 36 so that there is a continuous flow of positive karmic energy.

The other thing that I find striking about this is the impact that an anonymous individual can have on a larger group.  These understated acts of loving-kindness can net huge results: by encouraging a "pay-it-forward" movement, or by raising awareness of an issue, or by altering the course of another individual, organization or community.

I have long advocated for non-anonymous donations because of the teaching power in sharing one's story around generating social capital.  After listening to this sermon, I have to say, while I still advocate for public giving, there is something about the power of being anonymous.