The Hidden 36

According to Jewish legend, in every generation there are 36 special people, called Lamed-Vav Tzaddikim, without whom the world could not continue to exist. Dispersed throughout the diaspora, they possess mystic powers which they can use to avert disaster. But their identities are unknown, even to each other. In fact, should a person claim to be one of the 36, that is proof that they are not one. The 36are simply too humble to believe that they are one of them.

Taking the example of the Lamed-Vav Tzaddikim as a starting point, John McCarthy explores how humility - an unpopular virtue in the age of individualism - can be a sign of strength and purpose.

Acknowledging the contribution of others, caring to the needs of young children or the sick, and being open to something larger than ourselves - humility is part of the human experience. True humility isn't stooping in order to look smaller than you are, it's standing next to something bigger than you which brings home to you your smallness. For the religious, that is God.

John is joined by the philosopher Oliver Leaman who reads from one of his f-vourite Yiddish folk tales, Bontsha the Silent. There are other readings from Last of the Just by Andre Schwarz-Bart, the poet Susanne Fitzpatrick, and C.S. Lewis.

The programme also features music by Pierre Pinchik, Elvis Presley and Zbigniew Preisner.

Producer: Emily Williams
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.