Eight degrees of charity

He, who gives grudgingly or with regret.

He, who gives less than he should or he could.

He, who gives but only when he is asked.

He, who gives readily before being asked.

He, who does not know to whom he gives

Though the recipients know who the donor is.

He, who gives without revealing himself.

He, who does not know to whom he gives

And is not known to the recipients too.

He, who helps the fellow man with so much

That he’s able to stand on his own legs.

Each is greater than the predecessor

As is stipulated by Maimonide. (Judas)

Giving charity is an obligation.

Receiving it is a privilege.

Accepting charity by the have-not

Is a favour done by them to donors.

17.06.2015