Song and Study Justice Chabura - 10/3/18

(7) There are eight levels of tzedakah, each one greater than the other. The greatest level, higher than all the rest, is to fortify a fellow Jew and give her a gift, a loan, form with her a partnership, or find work for her, until she is strong enough so that she does not need to ask others [for sustenance]. Of this it is said, (Lev. 25:35) [If your kinsman, being in straits, comes under your authority,] and you hold him as though a resident alien, let him live by your side. That is as if to say, "Hold her up," so that she will not fall and be in need.

(8) One level lower than this is one who gives tzedakah to the poor and does not know to whom he gives, and the poor person does not know from whom she receives...Very close to this is one who gives to the kupah of tzedakah, but one should not contribute to the kupah of tzedakah unless one is certain that the one who counts it is trustworthy and wise and behaves competently...

(9) One level lower is one who gives tzedakah and the giver knows to whom she gives but the poor person does not know from whom she takes. Such did the great sages who would go in secret and throw money onto the doorways of the poor... A method such as this one is a good way when the keepers of tzedakah do not behave competently....

(10) One level lower is when the poor person knows from whom he takes but the giver does not know to whom he gives. Such was the way of the sages who would tie coins to their garments and would throw the bundle over their shoulder so the poor could come up [behind them] and take [them] without being embarrassed.

(11) One level lower is to give to her with one's own hand before she can ask.

(12) One level lower is to give to him after he has asked.

(13) One level lower is to give him less than one should but with kindness.

(14) One level lower is to give to him begrudgingly.