How Do You Do Charity?

Thirteenth century Jewish theologian Moses Maimonides had 8 progressive levels:

• Give reluctantly


• Give cheerfully but not adequately


• Give cheerfully and adequately, but only after being asked


• Give cheerfully, adequately, and of your own free will, but in such a way as to make the recipient feel demeaned


• Let the recipient know who the donor is but not the reverse


• Know who is receiving your charity but to remain anonymous to him


• Have neither the donor nor the recipient be aware of the other's identity


• Dispense with charity altogether, by enabling your fellow humans to have the wherewithal to earn their own living