Eight Degrees of Charity 101

Rabbi, physician and philosopher Moses Maimonides (aka the Rambam, 1135-1204) laid down rules for charity that have guided Jews through the centuries.Here they are, in simple English — a good foundation for our Annual Giving Issue.

The Hebrew word tzedakah, unlike “charity” (from Greek karitas, “love”), is the Jewish legal requirement to do rightly with your fellow person — that is, to support him when he is in need.

We are required to take more care about the commandment of tzedakah than any other. For tzadakah is the sign of the righteous descendents of Abraham our father, as “God has made known to him Abraham, so that he shall command his sons to do tzedakah.”

There are eight levels of tzedakah, each greater than the next.

1. The greatest level, above which there is no other, is to strengthen the name of another Jew by giving him a present or loan, or making a partnership with him, or finding him a job in order to strengthen his hand until he needs no longer beg from people. For it is said, “You shall strengthen the stranger and the dweller in your midst and live with him” (Leviticus XXV:35), that is to say, strengthen him until he needs no longer fall [upon the mercy of the community] or be in need.
2. Below this is the one who gives tzedakah to the poor, but does not know to whom he gives, nor does the recipient know his benefactor. For this is performing a mitzvah for the sake of heaven. This is like the Secret (Anonymous) Office in the Temple. There the righteous gave secretly, and the good poor drew sustenance anonymously. This is much like giving tzedakah through a tzedakah box. One should not put into the box unless he knows that the one responsible for the box is faithful and wise and a proper leader like Rabbi Hananya ben Teradyon.
3. Below this is one who knows to whom he gives, but the recipient does not know his benefactor. The greatest sages used to walk about in secret and put coins into the doors of the poor. It is worthy and truly good to do this if those who are responsible for collecting tzedakah are not trustworthy.
4. Below this is one who does not know to whom he gives, but the poor person does know his benefactor. The greatest sages used to pack coins into their scarves and roll them up over their backs, and the poor would come and pick [the coins out of the scarves] so that they would not be ashamed.
5. Below this is one who gives to the poor person before being asked.
6. Below this is one who gives to the poor person after being asked.
7. Below this is one who gives to the poor person gladly and with a smile.
8. Below this is one who gives to the poor person unwillingly.

Adapted from Maimonides, Hilchot Mat’not Ani’im 10:1, 7-14 (Mishneh Torah, Laws of Gifts [that belong to] the Poor).
Translated and copyright 1990, 2003 by Jonathan J. Baker.