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The 8 Levels of Charity--Moses Maimonides (1135 - 1204)

  1. Charity that is given reluctantly

  2. Charity that is given cheerfully, but in inadequate amounts.

  3. Charity given cheerfully and in adequate amount, but only after it has been solicited.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. You know who is receiving your largesse, but you request to remain anonymous.

  7. Neither you--the donor--nor the recipient is aware of the other's identity.

  8. 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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