“Charity is not an act but a condition or state of being. Charity is attained through a succession of acts that result in a conversion. Charity is something one becomes.” –Dallin H. Oaks
Maimonides, also known as Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, or Rambam, was a 12th century Jewish scholar and religious rationalist who wrote the Mishnah Torah, a code of Jewish law which became a standard guide to Jewish practice. In this doctrine, Rambam organized was is recognised as the eight levels of charity, from least to most honorable.
8. The donation is given grudgingly.
7. The donation is less than he or she should, but is given cheerfully.
6. The donation is given directly to the poor upon being asked.
5. The donation is given directly to the poor without being asked.
4. The recipient knows the donor’s identity, but the donor does not know the identity of the recipient.
3. The donor knows of the recipient’s identity, but the recipient is unaware of the source.
2. The donor and recipient are unknown to each other.
1. The most honorable charity is to enabling the recipient to become self-reliant even before they need help.
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