Charity (Tzedakah): Human Qualities in Giving and Doing

(15) Shammai says, "Make your Torah fixed, say little and do much, and receive every person with a pleasant countenance."

R. Elazar further stated: He who performs acts of charity and justice is regarded as though he had filled all the world with kindness, for it is said, “He who loves charity and justice, he has filled the earth with the loving kindness of God” (Psalms 33:5).

(13) There are four temperaments among givers of charity. One who wishes to give, but [that] others not give -- he has an evil eye with respect to others. [One who wishes that] others give, and he [himself] not give -- he has an evil eye with respect to himself. [One who wishes to] give and [that] others give -- [that's a] pious person. [One who wishes] not to give and [that] others not give -- [that's a] wicked person.

(2) Looking up, he saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them and, bowing to the ground, (3) he said, “My lords, if it please you, do not go on past your servant. (4) Let a little water be brought; bathe your feet and recline under the tree. (5) And let me fetch a morsel of bread that you may refresh yourselves; then go on—seeing that you have come your servant’s way.” They replied, “Do as you have said.” (6) Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quick, three seahs of choice flour! Knead and make cakes!” (7) Then Abraham ran to the herd, took a calf, tender and choice, and gave it to a servant-boy, who hastened to prepare it. (8) He took curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared and set these before them; and he waited on them under the tree as they ate.