The Lamed-Vav Tzadikim, or 36 Righteous Ones, is a widely held Jewish belief that in every generation, 36 righteous individuals walk this Earth to greet Shekhinah or the Divine Presence. Many segments of Judaism believe that the 36 Righteous Ones’ role is to justify humankind’s purpose to God. The 36 individuals would not be aware of their position, and if they became aware, they would never admit it; they must remain hidden.