In my last post, I shared the story of my own journey with tzedakah. Now, let's go beyond the personal and explore the ancient wisdom that shapes how we give today.
The concept of tzedakah is far more nuanced than simply giving to the needy. Maimonides, in his Mishnah Torah, outlines a fascinating hierarchy of eight levels of giving, offering profound insights into the true meaning of this mitzvah. These levels can guide us in understanding the importance of our intentions and actions.
- The Pinnacle of Charity: The most elevated form of giving involves preventing poverty. This is achieved by offering substantial gifts with dignity, providing appropriate loans, or helping individuals secure employment or establish businesses, thereby enabling them to become self-sufficient and avoiding dependence on others. This level speaks to the transformative power of giving. It's about empowering individuals to overcome their circumstances and build a foundation for a self-sufficient future.
- Mutual Anonymity: A highly meritorious form of giving is when both the giver and the receiver are unknown to each other. This also includes communal funds managed by responsible and trustworthy individuals. This is considered a superior form because it focuses on the act of giving itself, rather than the personal recognition or relationship involved.
- Hidden Giver: A high level of giving is when the donor knows who is receiving the charity, but the recipient is unaware of the source of the aid.
- Anonymous Recipient: This is achieved when the recipient is aware of the donor's identity, yet the donor does not know the specific identity of the person being helped. Levels 3 & 4 are examples of how giving privately can be just as meaningful.
- Unsolicited Direct Giving: Giving directly to the poor without them having to ask is a more commendable form of giving.
- Asked Direct Giving: Giving directly to the poor when they ask is still a good form of charity.
- Cheerful but Insufficient Giving: Giving less than one should, but doing so with a good attitude, is a lower level of giving.
- Grudging Giving: The least meritorious form of charity is when donations are given with reluctance or resentment. Levels 7 & 8 show how even if you cannot give the full amount, attitude is still important.
In our modern world, level one can be reflected in supporting job training programs, micro-loans, and organizations that help people build their own businesses. Level two can be seen as setting up automatic donations to causes you care about.
Priority of Tzedaka
Who should get first? Family members in need come first, then neighbors and local community, people and communities in Israel, and then people in need everywhere else. This prioritization acknowledges our responsibility to those closest to us first, reflecting the idea that charity begins at home, while still reminding us of our duty to those in need globally. This order isn't meant to diminish the importance of global causes, but to remind us that charity starts with our most immediate communities and then expands outwards.
With these principles in mind, I wanted to share some organizations that I feel deeply connected to and that truly embody the spirit of tzedakah.
- Local New York:
- Automated:
- Israel:
In the end, tzedakah transcends a simple monetary donation, it’s about making the world a better place, one generous act at a time. By approaching it with intentionality and consideration, we elevate ourselves and those we help. How will you practice tzedakah this week?
For more information and the laws of tzedakah visit: https://halachipedia.com/index.php?title=Charity