רמב"ם הלכות מתנות עניים פרק ז
אדם שוע שהוא נותן צדקה יותר מן הראוי לו, או שמיצר לעצמו ונותן לגבאים כדי שלא יתבייש אסור לתובעו ולגבות ממנו צדקה, וגבאי שמכלימו ושואל ממנו עתיד להפרע ממנו שנאמר ופקדתי על כל לוחציו
It is forbidden to demand and to collect charity from a soft-hearted person who gives more than is appropriate to charity or from a person who causes themselves difficulty and gives to charity collectors so that the person will not be embarrassed. When a charity collector embarrasses such a person and asks [for charity], [the charity collector] will be subjected to retribution in the future, as [implied by Jeremiah 30:20] “I will visit My providence on those who pressure him.” [Translation by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger. Edited for gender neutrality]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. What are the two reasons someone may donate more than they can afford to charity? Does Rambam differentiate the way they should be treated depending on their motivations?
2. Why is the charity collector punished for asking such a person for money?
3. Is it possible to give too much to charity? How does the Rambam’s system protect the giver?
Time Period: Medieval (Geonim through the 16th Century)