Abstract

\iHARI_TY 'S GOLDl:N LADDER By Maimonides, A Great Jewish Philosopher of the 12th Century There are eight degrees or steps in the duty of charity. The first and lowest degree is to give, but with reluctance or regret. This is the gift of the hand, but not of the heart. The second is to give cheerfully, but not proportionately to the distress of the sufferer. The third is to give cheerfully and proportionatelY,but not until solicited. The fourth is to give cheerfully, proportion­ ately, and even unsolicited; but to put it in the poor man's hand, thereby exciting in him the painful emotion of shame. The fifth is to give charity in such a way that the distressed may receive the bounty, and know their benefactor, without their being known to him. Such was the conduct of some of our ancestors, who used to tie up money in the corners of their cloaks, so that the poor might take it unperceived. The sixth, which rises still higher, is to know the objects of our bounty but remain unknown to them. Such was the conduct of those of our ancestors who used to convey their charitable gifts into poor people's