EIGHT DEGREES OF CHARITY

THE EIGHT DEGREES OF CHARITY (in descending order of generosity)

According to Moses Maimonides, a 12th century rabbi

First Degree: “Help a person Help Himself” Prevent poverty by giving someone a gift or a loan or finding work for him so that he will not need to appeal for help. 

Second Degree: “The Giver and Receiver Unknown to Each Other” One who gives charity to the poor without knowing to whom he gives and without the poor knowing from whom they take. 

Third Degree: “Receiver Known, Given Unknown” One who knows to whom he gives, without the poor knowing from whom they receive. For example, in olden days, our ancestors brought gifts into poor people’s homes and left without being seen.

Fourth Degree: “Giver Does Not Know Receiver” The poor man knows from whom he takes but the giver does not know the receiver. For example, there were men who tied money in the corners of the cloaks they wore, so that the poor might take it without being seen.

Fifth Degree: “Gives Before He is Asked” The man who gives before he has been asked, but who puts it into the poor man’s hand, embarrassing him.

Sixth Degree: “Gives After He is Asked” The man who gives cheerfully, and as much as he can, but only after being asked.

Seventh Degree: “Gives Less Than He Should, But Cheerfully” The man who gives less than he ought to, but with a smile.

Eighth Degree: “Gives Unwillingly” Lowest on the ladder is the man who gives only because he is forced to do so. This is the gift of the hand but not of the heart. ~~~

 When we give, we should do so at whatever level we can and to the best of our abilities.