A Hierarchy of Giving

There is so much need and there are so many opportunities to be of service to others.

The world is a better place when people look out for each other.

We can give our time, our talents, our money.

The eight levels of giving, described below, present an interesting perspective on giving.  

 

Eight Levels of Giving

Maimonides was a 12th century Jewish scholar who compiled a hierarchy of giving on eight levels.

8. When donations are given grudgingly.

7. When one gives less than he should, but does so cheerfully.

6. When one gives directly to the poor upon being asked.

5. When one gives directly to the poor without being asked.

4. Donations when the recipient is aware of the donor’s identity, but the donor still doesn’t know the specific identity of the recipient.

3. Donations when the donor is aware to whom the charity is being given, but the recipient is unaware of the source.

2. Giving assistance in such a way that the giver and recipient are unknown to each other. Communal funds, administered by responsible people are also in this category.

1. The highest form of charity is to help sustain a person before they become impoverished by offering a substantial gift in a dignified manner, or by extending a suitable loan, or by helping them find employment or establish themselves in business so as to make it unnecessary for them to become dependent on others.

My Thoughts

Some acts are small.  Others, combined with others, make a larger impact.

All are necessary and all are important.