The 8 Levels of
Charity--Moses Maimonides (1135 - 1204)
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Charity that is given
reluctantly
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Charity that is given
cheerfully, but in inadequate amounts.
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Charity given cheerfully
and in adequate amount, but only after it has been solicited.
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Charity given
cheerfully, in adequate amount, and of your own free will, but the
alms is placed in the recipient's hand in such a way to make him
feel inferior.
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The recipient is told
that you are the donor, because you wish it that way, but you do not
know the identity of the recipient.
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You know who is
receiving your largesse, but you request to remain anonymous.
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Neither you--the
donor--nor the recipient is aware of the other's identity.
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Through your
conscientious efforts, you enable a less fortunate person to rise up
in life, earn a livelihood, and gain self-respect. You help
others help themselves.
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