What is the Torah’s understanding of charity?

The Hebrew term for charity, tzedakah, shares the same root meaning as the word tzadik (a righteous individual). In Jewish law, it is understood that Jews are required to help the poor, not only because they felt sorry for the needy, but because it is their religious obligation to do so – a part of being righteous. Maimonides noted eight levels of giving, each more virtuous than the previous. These are:

1. Giving reluctantly;
2. Giving less than one should, but cheerfully;
3. Giving enough, but only after being asked directly;
4. Giving before being asked;
5. Giving in a way that the giver does not know who will receive the charity;
6. Giving in a way that the receiver does not know who gave the charity;
7. Giving in a way that neither party knows the identity of the other;
8. And giving in the form of providing work or money so the receiver will not need charity again.

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