Be anonymous as possible

I was on the phone (discussing this post) with an anonymous friend and day one supporter of The Daily Tithe when I was reminded of the eight degrees of giving in Judaism.

The eighth degree and highest level: 

Giving in a way that makes the receiver self-sufficient.

Which reminds me of a conversation I was having with an anonymous friend this morning. We were discussing how many athletes regret simply giving their family and friends money vs investing in them.

Here’s a loan. 

Hey, let's go into business together. 

Hey, let me help you get a job.

The seventh degree:

Giving anonymously. 

Interestingly enough, before learning the eight degrees of giving in Judaism my definition of giving anonymously was slightly different. 

I always saw it as known to unknown. 

I know I gave that to someone, but they have no clue it was me. 

However in Judaism there is unknown to unknown. 

I know I gave to someone, but I don’t know who, and they don’t know who it came from. 

You see a family at the restaurant. You approach a staff member  and let them know you’d like to pay for that family’s meal while remaining anonymous. 

That used to be the only way I knew. 

But let's say..

You can walk into a restaurant, hand a staff member X amount of dollars to pay for any family’s meal, ask to remain anonymous, and walk out. 

You have now wiped out two “owe yous”.

“I owe you” and “They owe me”

Leading to better giving.

You have also wiped out any chance of ulterior motive giving and/or giving to be seen. 

Be anonymous as possible.