In the 12th century, Moses Maimonides (1135–1204), philosopher, physician, and Jewish rabbi, codified one of the most distinguished humanistic doctrines on charity: Eight Levels of Charity. This is a hierarchical table of charitable acts, from lowest to highest, determined by the degree of respect and support given to the recipient’s dignity.
This doctrine carries not only religious significance but also serves as a moral compass for charitable work, emphasizing that the most precious thing is not what is given, but how it is given, how to provide help while nurturing the dignity, freedom, and long-term development of those who need it.
The eight specific levels:
- The lowest level: Giving reluctantly, without willingness.
- The second level: Giving with a cold, ungracious attitude.
- The third level: Giving after being requested.
- The fourth level: Giving before being requested.
- The fifth level: Both the giver and the recipient know each other.
- The sixth level: The giver knows the recipient, but the recipient does not know the giver (keeping the giver’s identity confidential to shield the recipient from feeling indebted).
- The seventh level: The giver does not know the recipient, but the recipient knows the giver (the giver humbles himself, while the recipient still preserves dignity).
- The highest level: Helping others to become self-sufficient by offering employment, skills training, or seed capital for business so that they are no longer dependent on charity.
Maimonides emphasized that charity is not simply a momentary act, but a process of empowerment. The higher one rises on this “ladder,” the more deeply the giver understands the importance of preserving dignity and fostering the recipient’s self-reliance.
Today, this philosophy remains as relevant as ever, illuminating pathways for organizations and individuals engaged in charity work: from emergency support to creating sustainable opportunities for community development.
Source: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/eight-levels-of-charitable-giving
